title: Rh sensitization after third-trimester fetal death.
abstract: Three primigravidas developed Rh sensitization after unexplained third-trimester fetal death. One patient manifested sensitization after the diagnosis of fetal death had been made but before delivery occurred. The other two demonstrated anti-D antibodies early in the next pregnancy, despite having received postpartum Rh immunoglobulin. Unsensitized Rh-negative women with unexplained third-trimester fetal death should be screened routinely for fetomaternal hemorrhage when fetal death is discovered, so that adequate prophylaxis against Rh sensitization can be given.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D005331:Fetomaternal Transfusion / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D012203:Rh Isoimmunization / Q000209:etiology*