How Plasma Donation Helps Save Lives for Expectant Mothers

Mother's Day is a time to celebrate the incredible women who bring life into the world and nurture their families with love and care. As we honor mothers everywhere, it's important to recognize that plasma donations contribute to life-saving therapies, including some that protect the babies of mothers-to-be. Donated plasma is crucial for making Rho(D) Immune Globulin, a medication that protects the babies of Rh-negative expectant mothers from complications during pregnancy. But what does it mean to be Rh-negative, and why is Rho(D) Immune Globulin so vital?
05/10/2025

Happy Mother’s Day Graphic

Understanding Rho(D) Immune Globulin

Everyone has one of four blood types: A, B, AB, or O. Besides this, people also have Rh genes from their parents. If you have the D gene, you're Rh-positive. If you don't, you're Rh-negative. The "positive" or "negative" part of your blood type, such as O positive or A negative, refers to your Rh status.

During pregnancy, if a mom has Rh-negative blood and her baby has Rh-positive blood, the baby's blood can mix with the mom's. This makes the mom's body create antibodies against Rh-positive blood, which is called Rh sensitization.

Rh sensitization usually doesn't affect the first pregnancy but can cause problems in future pregnancies. If the mom gets pregnant again with an Rh-positive baby, her antibodies might attack the baby's blood cells, causing issues in the baby that may include anemia, jaundice, or even death.

Thankfully, a therapy called “Rho(D) Immune Globulin” can prevent Rh sensitization. Rh-negative moms should get this treatment during and after pregnancy to avoid these problems.

How Plasma Donation Helps

Rho(D) Immune Globulin is a medication made from donated plasma. It prevents an Rh-negative mother's body from making Rh antibodies if she hasn't already produced them. This medication is given to Rh-negative women during and after pregnancy to prevent the creation of antibodies that could affect both the current pregnancy and any future pregnancies.

The Gift of Life

Not all plasma collected is used to create Rho(D) Immune Globulin; only plasma from donors in the Anti-D program is utilized for the creation of this lifesaving medication. These donors play a crucial role because their plasma contains the essential antibody needed to prevent complications in Rh-negative pregnancies.

Celebrating Plasma Donors

This Mother's Day, let's celebrate not only the mothers who give life but also the plasma donors who help protect it. Their generosity and compassion extend beyond their own families, touching the lives of countless others in need.

Plasma donations contribute to life-saving therapies that help individuals, including mothers, around the world. If you're interested in becoming a plasma donor, find a CSL Plasma near you and donate today!

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms, mother figures, and plasma donors out there!

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