Question

Which maternal condition increases the risk of Rh sensitization during amniocentesis and requires preventive measures?

Options

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus

• Maternal hypertension

• History of recurrent urinary tract infections

• Rh-negative maternal blood type

Answer 1

Rh-negative mothers are at risk of Rh sensitization during amniocentesis if fetal red blood cells (which are typically Rh-positive if the fetus inherited the paternal Rh-positive allele) enter maternal circulation. This complication is prevented by administering anti-D immunoglobulin injection immediately after the procedure.