


The woman may decide later to try to have the sterilization reversed.This would cause her to produce antibodies, therefore making it necessary for RhIg to be given.Ī Rh-negative mother may receive RhIg after birth, even if she decides to have her fallopian tubes tied and cut to prevent future pregnancies for the following reasons: If and when amniocentesis is conducted, fetal Rh-positive red blood cells can mix with a mother’s Rh-negative blood.What are some other reasons RhIg may be given? Rh-negative women should also receive treatment after any miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or induced abortion to prevent any chance of the woman developing antibodies that would attack a future Rh-positive baby.Each pregnancy and delivery of an Rh-positive child requires repeat doses of RhIg. The treatment of RhIg is only good for the pregnancy in which it is given.If the baby is born with Rh-positive blood, the mother should be given another dose of RhIg to prevent her from making antibodies to the Rh-positive cells she may have received from their baby before and during delivery.If a woman with Rh-negative blood has not been sensitized, her doctor may suggest she receive RhIg around the 28th week of pregnancy to prevent sensitization for the rest of pregnancy.RhIg is used during pregnancy and after delivery: An injection of Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg), a blood product that can prevent sensitization of an Rh-negative mother.Antibody screen is another blood test that can show if an Rh-negative woman has developed antibodies to Rh-positive blood.A blood test can provide you with your blood type and Rh factor.An induced abortion or menstrual extraction.It can occur if an Rh-negative woman has had: Sensitization can occur any time the fetus’s blood mixes with the mother’s blood. It can become severe enough to cause serious illness, brain damage, or even death in the fetus or newborn. This condition is called hemolytic disease or hemolytic anemia. They break down the fetus’s red blood cells and produce anemia (a condition that happens when the blood has a low number of red blood cells). This means you have become sensitized and your antibodies can cross the placenta and attack your baby’s blood. Your body may make antibodies to the Rh antigens in the baby’s blood. If a small amount of the baby’s blood mixes with your blood, which often happens, your body may respond as if it were allergic to the baby. You may develop antibodies to an Rh-positive baby. Problems can arise when the fetus’s blood has the Rh factor and the mother’s blood does not. When the mother is Rh-negative and the father is Rh-positive, the fetus can inherit the Rh factor from the father. If it has the antigen, it is called Rh-positive. If your blood lacks the Rh antigen, it is called Rh-negative. How do I know if I am Rh negative or Rh positive?Īs part of your prenatal care, you will have blood tests to find out your blood type. Most people who have the Rh factor are Rh-positive and those who do not are Rh-negative. The Rh factor is a type of protein on the surface of red blood cells. Antigens are proteins on the surface of blood cells that can cause a response from the immune system. Blood types are determined by the types of antigens on the blood cells.

This could cause your baby to develop anemia and other problems.Įach person’s blood is one of four major types: A, B, AB, or O. If your blood and your baby’s blood mix, your body will start to make antibodies that can damage your baby’s red blood cells. But during pregnancy, being Rh-negative can be a problem if your baby is Rh-positive. Usually your Rh factor blood type isn’t an issue. How Your Rh Factor Blood Type Affects Your Pregnancy Supplements and Medications for a Healthy Pregnancy.Products & Tests to Support Your Pregnancy.Conception Health and Nutrition Support.Can I get pregnant if…and other questions about conception.
