One of the most important aspects of your surrogacy journey is ensuring both your health and the baby’s well-being, and the RhoGAM shot plays a crucial role in this.
While not every surrogate will be asked to take the RhoGAM injection, understanding what it is and why it is needed helps prepare you if it becomes part of your surrogate journey.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly why the RhoGAM shot is necessary, how it works, and what could happen if it’s missed.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn more about what to expect from the surrogacy process during your pregnancy.
Why Do I Need a Rhogam Shot as a Surrogate?
As a surrogate, your role is to carry and nurture the baby for another family. The RhoGAM shot helps ensure a healthy pregnancy by preventing complications related to Rh incompatibility.
If you’re Rh-negative and the baby you’re carrying is Rh-positive, your immune system might create antibodies that could harm the baby’s blood cells.
The RhoGAM shot neutralizes these antibodies before they can cause harm, keeping both you and the baby safe.
What is the Rh Factor in Pregnancy?
The Rh factor is essentially what determines if you have a positive or negative blood type. Negative blood types do not carry the Rh factor protein in their blood cells, while positive blood types do.
Why does this matter during surrogacy? If you’re carrying a baby with a different Rh factor, it can lead to complications.
If a surrogate’s blood type does not match that of the baby, there can be incompatibilities, which can lead to potential medical problems. The RhoGAM shot for pregnancy helps prevent complications.
How Does the RhoGAM Shot Work?
When you’re Rh-negative and pregnant with an Rh-positive baby, your immune system could start producing antibodies that attack the baby’s red blood cells. The RhoGAM shot stops this from happening.
By injecting Rh immunoglobulin (the substance in the RhoGAM shot), your body is prevented from making these harmful antibodies, which protects the baby and helps ensure a smoother pregnancy.
When Do I Get the RhoGAM Shot?
The injection is typically administered around 28 weeks pregnant.
You’ll likely need a second dose within 72 hours after birth—but only if the baby is Rh-positive.
Stay on top of your health by tracking important milestones like getting your RhoGAM shot at the right times. Talk to your doctor about scheduling it at the appropriate times during your surrogacy.
You can fill out our simple form to get a better idea of where the RhoGAM shot may fall in your surrogacy timeline.
Does a Surrogate Have to Have the Same Blood Type as the Intended Parents?
No. What matters most is whether you are Rh-negative or Rh-positive, not the overall blood type. You can still carry a child for another family even if your blood type differs from the intended parents’.
The only time this matters is when you are Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive, at which point the RhoGAM shot is necessary.
What Happens If I Don’t Get the RhoGAM Shot?
Skipping this shot can lead to serious complications like hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), where the baby’s red blood cells are destroyed, leading to anemia, jaundice, or even stillbirth in severe cases.
This is why it’s so important not to skip your RhoGAM injections.
Does the RhoGAM Shot Have Side Effects?
Like any medical treatment, the RhoGAM shot can cause some mild reactions. Common side effects include:
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
These side effects are usually short-lived and mild. Serious side effects are rare, but if you experience anything unusual, it’s important to reach out to your healthcare provider.
Next Steps
As a surrogate, your health and the baby’s well-being are your top priorities. By preventing Rh incompatibility, the shot minimizes risks and helps you have a smoother surrogacy experience.
If you have more questions or need further information about the RhoGAM shot and your surrogacy journey, contact a surrogacy specialist or healthcare provider for personalized guidance.