The Rh Factor is an inherited protein that may be found on the surface of your red blood cells. You are Rh positive (Rh+) if your blood cells contain the Rh factor (protein), and your red blood cells lack the protein you are Rh negative (Rh-). Inheritance of the gene responsible for producing the Rh protein follows a Mendelian pattern of inheritance, with + being the dominant trait. If you are Rh+, you can have one or two of the Rh+ genes. If you are Rh- you have no Rh+ genes. Your parents each pass on one gene for this protein. The three times your Rh status becomes a concern are: when you’re donating blood, when you’re receiving blood, and when you are pregnant.
The Rh Factor and Pregnancy
If you are Rh- and your partner is Rh+ there is a 50/50 chance your baby will be Rh+. Rh Incompatibility occurs if you and your baby have different Rh types. This can cause problems if your blood comes in direct contact with your baby’s blood. This could happen in a number of ways, including:
- amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
- manually turning a breech baby before delivery
- miscarriage
- ectopic pregnancy
- induced abortion
- trauma during pregnancy
Your body would make anti-Rh antibodies which can cross the placenta and attack your baby’s blood. This is usually not a serious concern during a first pregnancy as there is not a lot of time for your body to make a significant amount of antibodies. Rh Incompatibility can be life-threatening to subsequent pregnancies.
How are Rh problems prevented?
Preventive treatment during a first pregnancy is not uncommon. Preventive treatment reduces the chance of your body making anti-Rh antibodies. If it has been determined (via blood test) that antibody production has begun, your provider will likely suggest you receive Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg). Your body will cease to produce any more antibodies against Rh+ blood. Your doctor will administer RhIg around 28 weeks gestation and, again, within 72 hours after delivery of an Rh+ baby to an Rh- mother.
If you do not receive treatment, your baby may develop anemia due to the attack and destruction of red blood cells. Depending on how severe the anemia is predicted to be, your baby may need an in-utero blood transfusion, may need to be delivered early, or may need a blood transfusion immediately after birth.
Because we firmly believe in informed consent, here is the link to the package insert for the RhoGAM injection. As always, speak with your provider to obtain the brand information for the injection they would use so you can obtain the appropriate, accurate, information before making your decision.
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This article is for educational purposes only. It should not take the place of consultation with your healthcare provider.