What blood type must a pregnant woman have to receive Rho(D) immune globulin after delivery?

To receive Rho(D) immune globulin after delivery, a pregnant woman must be Rh negative and Coombs negative. Rho(D) immune globulin is given to prevent Rh sensitization in Rh-negative mothers who may be exposed to Rh-positive blood from their newborn. If the mother has a negative Rh factor, it indicates that she does not have the Rh antigen on her red blood cells.

The Coombs test, specifically the indirect Coombs test, checks for the presence of antibodies against Rh-positive blood. If the test result is negative, this means that the mother does not have these antibodies circulating in her blood. Administering Rho(D) immune globulin to an Rh-negative, Coombs-negative mother helps to prevent the mother's immune system from producing antibodies against Rh-positive blood cells, which could affect future pregnancies.

In contrast, an Rh-positive mother has the Rh antigen and does not require Rho(D) immune globulin regardless of her Coombs test results. If a woman is Coombs positive, it suggests that she already has antibodies against Rh-positive blood, indicating potential sensitization has occurred, thus negating the need for the medication.