At what point does a Rh-negative client typically first receive Rho(D) immune globulin?

A Rh-negative client typically first receives Rho(D) immune globulin at 28 weeks of gestation as part of standard prenatal care. This administration is crucial for preventing Rh sensitization, which occurs if an Rh-negative mother is exposed to Rh-positive blood, either during pregnancy or more commonly at the time of delivery. By providing Rho(D) immune globulin around this time, healthcare providers can effectively reduce the risk of developing antibodies that could affect current or future pregnancies.

Administering the immune globulin later in pregnancy ensures that maternal immune exposure is minimized, particularly as the fetal blood cells may start crossing into the maternal circulation. The timing at 28 weeks is well-established in medical guidelines, highlighting the importance of proactive management in obstetric care to protect both the mother and future pregnancies. This timing is a preventive strategy rather than a response to an Rh-positive baby at birth, which is why administration during delivery is not the initial focus.