85%
of most people are Rh+ve, that means each person have antigen on their
red blood cells (RBCs) for the Rh factor. People without Rh factor
antigen are Rh-ve.
Rh factor may play a pivotal role in
baby health. Each people having different blood types which contain
specific proteins to that blood type on the surface of RBCs.
Rh
incompatibility usually isn't a problem if it's the mother first
pregnancy because, unless there's some sort of abnormality, the fetus
blood does not normally enter the mother circulatory system during the
course of the pregnancy.
However, during delivery, the
mother and baby blood can intermingle. If this happens, the mother body
recognizes the Rh protein as a foreign substance and can begin producing
antibodies (protein molecules in the immune system that recognize, and
later work to destroy, foreign substances) against the Rh proteins
introduced into her blood.
Other ways Rh-ve pregnant women
can be exposed to the Rh protein that might cause antibody production
include blood transfusions with Rh+ve blood, miscarriage, and ectopic
pregnancy.
Each of four blood types is additionally
classified according to the presence of another protein on the surface
of RBCs that indicates Rh factor.
If one person carrying
either blood type A or B or AB or O protein, this person Rh+ve. While If
another person not carry abovementioned protein, this person Rh-ve.
Let
say, If one pregnant woman is carrying the baby that is Rh+ve, and the
mother has antibody to the Rh-ve antigen, those antibody can attack the
baby RBCs and cause swelling and rupture of RBCs. This phenomena can
lead to complications to the baby including anaemia, jaundice, brain
damage, heart failure, and other blood related problems. Its also can
lead to fatal because too many RBCs have been destroyed.
If
pregnant woman already have antibody for the Rh factor. Dr. Will
monitor pregnant woman and baby closely. If a baby is Rh-ve, no
treatment is needed.
If both baby mother and father have
Rh-ve blood type, baby will be Rh-ve. However, Rh+ve fathers can produce
either Rh-ve or Rh+ve factor.
First and most important tests – The blood type test, it’s to determines the blood type and Rh factor.
If baby is Rh-ve, Dr. Will run tests to monitor baby status:
- Take mother blood for antibody level
- Check amniotic fluid for breakdown of baby RBCs
-
And the ultimate goal will be to hold of delivery untill the baby is
mature at around 36 – 37 weeks, but it may be necessary to deliver baby
early, if baby shows signs of distress.
Let say, another
phenomena. If a one woman who is Rh-ve and a man who is Rh+ve conceive a
baby, there is considerable potential for hemolytic disorders or the Rh
disease of newborn to arise as the baby developing inside the Rh-ve
mother body may have Rh+ blood, inherited from the father. This is
called Rh incompatibility.
How to prevent and Treat the Rh Disease of Newborn.
If
woman have the potential to develop Rh incompatibility is pregnant, Dr.
Will administer with 2 shots Rh immune-globlin (RhoGAM) during her 1st
pregnancy. RhoGAM acts like a vaccine, preventing the mother body from
producing any potentially dangerous Rh antibodies than can lead to
serious complications in the baby or future pregnancies.
- The 1st shot is given around the 28th weeks of pregnancy
- And 2nd within 72 hrs after deliver of the baby.
If
you're not sure what your Rh factor is and think you're pregnant, it's
important to start regular prenatal care as soon as possible, including
blood type testing. With early detection and treatment of Rh
incompatibility.
