A 30-year-old Rh-negative pregnant woman is at 17 weeks gestation and has an Rh-positive partner. She has had no prior sensitization. She asks the nurse when she will receive Rho(D) immune globulin. Which of the following is the best response?

A. Rho(D) immune globulin is not given only after delivery. Administering it after delivery alone prevents sensitization for future pregnancies but does not provide prophylaxis during the current pregnancy. B. The woman does not only receive Rho(D) immune globulin after her second pregnancy. Prophylaxis is necessary during the current pregnancy if she is Rh-negative and the fetus is at risk of being Rh-positive. C. Rho(D) immune globulin is not given monthly during pregnancy. Standard prophylaxis involves a scheduled dose at 28 weeks gestation, with an additional dose postpartum if the newborn is Rh-positive. More frequent dosing is only indicated if there is a significant risk of fetal-maternal hemorrhage (e.g., miscarriage, trauma, amniocentesis). D. The recommended schedule for Rh-negative women without prior sensitization is to receive a prophylactic dose of Rho(D) immune globulin at 28 weeks gestation and again within 72 hours after delivery if the newborn is Rh-positive. This prevents the mother’s immune system from producing antibodies against Rh-positive fetal red blood cells, reducing the risk of hemolytic disease in current or future pregnancies. Administration is also indicated after events that increase fetal-maternal blood mixing.