About this topic
Blood is split into 4 major types: A, B, O, and AB. The type is based on a substance on the outside of the blood cell. Some people also have blood cells with a special protein. This protein is the Rh factor. If you have this protein on your blood cells, you are Rh-positive. If you do not have the protein, you are Rh-negative. Your blood type and Rh type are passed down to you from your parents. ‚
Rh incompatibility is also known as Rhesus disease. Rh incompatibility happens when a mother is Rh-negative and her baby is Rh-positive. Rh incompatibility can happen when the father is Rh-positive. A special drug is given to the mother in her pregnancy to prevent any illness in the unborn baby or the newly born baby. ‚
What are the causes?
When you are pregnant, your baby may have a different blood type or Rh factor than your own. You may be Rh-negative and your baby is Rh-positive. During birth, blood from the baby may cross into your bloodstream. If the blood mixes, your body may start to see your babys blood as different. Your body remembers the baby's blood as foreign and will never forget that. The mother makes proteins called antibodies against the baby's blood. Most often this difference between your blood and the baby's does not cause problems with a first pregnancy. The baby is most often born before the mother makes the antibody. ‚
There may be problems if you are pregnant again and your next baby is Rh-positive. Your body still knows that the baby's blood is different. Antibodies in your blood may cross into the baby's blood and attack the baby's red blood cells. The attack on your baby's red blood cells causes a very serious illness in your baby. ‚
What are the main signs?
The mothers health is not affected by this illness. If Rhesus disease is not prevented, the baby may have mild or very severe signs. Your baby may have: ‚
- Low red blood cells
- Very bad swelling of the whole body
- Heart failure
- Very bad yellowing of the skin, called jaundice
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have had: ‚
- A miscarriage or tubal pregnancy
- An abortion
- Blood transfusions
- Testing during your pregnancy like an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling
- Bleeding during your pregnancy
Your doctor will measure how big your womb is each visit. If your womb seems to be bigger than expected, your doctor may order tests to check the level of fluid around your baby. ‚
The doctor may order a blood test to check if you: ‚
- Are Rh-positive or Rh-negative
- Have antibodies to Rh-positive blood
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your doctor will check to make sure you do not have antibodies against Rh-positive blood. Then, you may be given a drug to keep you from making antibodies. Most of the time, this shot is only needed one time. Your doctor may give the shot to you during the last 3 months of your pregnancy. Sometimes, your doctor will give you one more shot if your baby is overdue. This drug is given each time you are pregnant. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ‚
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq027.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20120822T1027375215 ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_center/your_pregnancy/rh.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rhesus-disease/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚