Rh Factor Positive In Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a confusing time for expecting mothers and their families, who may wonder what all the different terms, such as Rh factor positive, mean. The Rh factor is a protein found on the surface of red blood cells. A person is Rh positive if they have this protein present and negative if it is absent. It is important to understand the role Rh factor has in pregnancy, and how it can affect mother and baby.
What is the Rh Factor?
The Rh factor, also known as the Rhesus Factor, is a protein found on the surface of red blood cells. A person is Rh positive if they have this protein present and negative if it is absent. Rh factor is genetically inherited, meaning that is comes from a person’s parents.
What is Rh Factor Positive In Pregnancy?
When an expecting mother’sRh factor is positive, and the baby’s Rh factor is negative, it is referred to as Rh factor positive in pregnancy. This means that the mother’s blood cells contain the Rh factor protein, while the baby’s blood cells do not.
How Can It Impact Pregnancy?
Rh factor positive in pregnancy can have serious implications on mother and baby. When a mother and baby have different Rh factors, the mother’s body may form antibodies to fight the baby’s red blood cells, causing a condition known as Rh incompatibility. This can cause the mother’s body to attack the fetus and lead to health complications, such as jaundice, anemia and even stillbirth.
What Are The Treatments for Rh Factor Positive In Pregnancy?
The good news is that Rh factor positive in pregnancy can be treated. Doctors will typically use one of the following treatments:
- RhoGAM Injection: An injection of RhoGAM, which contains the Rh factor protein, is given to the mother during weeks 28 and further along in the pregnancy. This helps to prevent the formation of Rh antibodies in the mother’s body.
- Blood Transfusions: In some cases, the baby may require a blood transfusion while they are still in the womb to help protect against complications caused by Rh incompatibility.
- Labor and Delivery Monitoring: Doctors will closely monitor the pregnancy and mother’s blood levels, as well as the baby’s. If necessary, the baby may be delivered early to avoid complications due to Rh incompatibility.
Rh factor positive in pregnancy is a serious condition, but it is thankfully treatable. With the help of a doctor and the treatments mentioned above, mother and baby can both remain healthy.
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