Progress gives knowledge, and it, as they say, is power. Of course, to know about yourself and your health all the information is a prerequisite for a comfortable life. At the same time, doctors often encounter a situation where a person does not have an idea what his blood type and rhesus are. We will understand in detail why it is important to know each and future parents in particular.
How the Rh factor appeared: history and definition
A person is born unique in almost everything. Everyone has hair, skin, eyes - but with their own characteristic trait, which went genetically. It seems that the situation is not surprising, and people are not afraid of the word mutation when it comes to such things. However, polls show that not all people of a conscious age are aware of such an important indicator as the Rh factor of the blood. Yes, everyone has blood, but many years ago a discovery was made, thanks to which medicine rose to a new level. It turned out that human blood is divided into certain groups according to certain criteria.
In fact, the generally recognized “birthday” for blood groups is 1900, when Karl Landsteiner discovered 3 blood groups in people and was awarded the Nobel Prize for this. However, the first transfusion attempts were made 350-400 years before this significant day. Scientists first tried to transfuse blood from animals, then they did experiments on the animals themselves, and only then experiments on people were carried out.
There are four groups of human blood, in Russia they are designated by number in the form of Roman or Arabic numbers, in Europe the designation is accepted, where 0 (I), A (II), B (III), AB (IV). However, they can differ among themselves by the symbol (+) or (-). That is, one person may have the first blood group with a sign (+), and the second one with a sign (-). Why are people of the same blood group divided by some pros and cons?
The fact is that with the development of immunology in 1940, the same Landsteiner and his colleague Weiner discovered a protein antigen that was found on the surface of red blood cells. Moreover, scientists found that the protein in the blood of some people was not detected.
Rhesus factor is an indicator of the presence of protein on red blood cells in human blood. If there is protein, then the rhesus is positive (+), if there is no protein, respectively, negative (-). A person does not experience any influence or inconvenience due to the presence or absence of this indicator in ordinary life. Almost none.
Why is this factor important to people
Even if you are a rare guest at doctors and have never seen a sick leave in your eyes, this does not mean that such information should bypass you. At first glance, of course, you might think that this is not essential. Some kind of antigen somewhere in the blood. Yes, we have a lot of things inside, just do not mention.
This is true, the human body is rich in its complex structure, however, despite the external hardness, people are very fragile. In particular, in the face of emergencies, disasters and other negative factors, not to mention simple diseases. Cases are not uncommon when a person, due to such circumstances, has lost a lot of blood and, in order to continue his life activity, he needs to replenish his supply. Instantly, it in the body cannot appear in the missing amount, so doctors use the transfusion procedure.
Since we found out that the Rh factor of the blood factor and its group are different for people, therefore, in order not to cause the so-called Rhesus conflict in the form of a blood transfusion shock, we select a donor who can help the patient without risk to his health.
Despite the complexity and level of responsibility, such a procedure is full-time and occurs every minute around the world. Most often, close people donate, for example, the blood group and the Rh factor of parents and children are suitable in most cases, due to blood relationship.
Role in pregnant life
In continuation of the topic of family ties, it is important to address this issue for future parents. Children inherit from their parents not only appearance and character, but also the Rh factor. If the two parents have Rf (-), respectively, the child will not have a protein antigen in the blood one hundred percent also in the blood. In general, if the mother has a Rh factor, then, in spite of the rhesus and the blood type of her father, she will not have much problems with bearing a child, since the pregnant woman and her fetus will be one Rhesus.
But if the mother has a Rhesus factor negative and the father positive, then there is a risk of Rhesus conflict. This is the name of the process when a child with Rf (+) develops in the mother’s body with Rf (-), in which case the pregnant woman perceives the fetus as a foreign body and activates a protective reaction that provokes the production of special antibodies. They strive to penetrate the placenta and destroy the red blood cells of the child.
There are several options for the development of subsequent events, from a healthy birth to a miscarriage at any time. To preserve the fetus, despite the Rh factor during pregnancy, you should pass tests to you and your partner in advance. So you can consult with specialists, learn about modern methods of managing such pregnancies. In this case, additional monitoring of the antibodies of the future mother will be carried out, and, if necessary, drugs will be introduced to control them.
Deciphering blood by groups and Rh factor
Here we will present a table for the description of blood, their compatibility, as well as prospective inheritance options that may result in unborn children.
Maternal blood type | Blood type father |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
1 | 1 - 100% | 1 and 2 - 50/50% | 1 and 3 - 50/50% | 2 and 3 - 50/50% |
2 | 1 and 2 - 50/50% | 1 and 2 - 50/50% | Any group | 2 - 50% 3 and 4 - 25/25% |
3 | 1 and 3 - 50/50% | Any group | 1 and 3 - 50/50% | 3 - 50% 2 and 4 - 25/25% |
4 | 2 and 3 - 50/50% | 2 - 50% 3 and 4 - 25/25% | 3 - 50% 2 and 4 - 25/25% | 4 - 50% 2 and 3 - 25/25% |
Rhesus factor table of parents and prospective inheritance options for unborn children.
Father (Rf) | Mother (Rf) | Baby (Rf) | Probability Rhesus - Conflict |
+ | + | + with a probability of 75% - with a probability of 25% | No |
+ | - | + with a probability of 50% - with a probability of 50% | 50% |
- | + | + with a probability of 50% - with a probability of 50% | No |
- | - | - | No |
Blood donation and transfusion
We examined the situations and reasons why it is important to know not only the blood group, but also its “factor”. It’s great if relatives or just suitable donors are not only nearby to provide such assistance, but they are also ready mentally and physically.
The blood transfusion procedure is simple, but has a lot of features. For example, before blood donation, you will be tested for quality control. You must admit that no one wants human blood with any infection to be poured into his body. Now such risks are reduced to zero, and thus the needy patient receives not only a chance for recovery, but often life, but also confidence in the safety of the procedure. Thanks to the analysis of the group and the Rh factor of the person, help will be rendered faster.
To be or not to be?
If you are thinking about becoming a donor, then the answer is yes. Of course, if you are suitable for health reasons (height, weight, chronic and viral diseases, etc.), then being a donor is useful not only to save someone’s life, but also for your health. The body is deficient in blood volume and a stimulating effect arises, which has a beneficial effect in general, there can be no harm to the blood and Rh factor of a person. Not to mention that no one is safe from troubles. You helped today, and they will help you if you need it tomorrow. In addition, at the blood transfusion station, tests will be done for you to determine your general health for free, and for one you can determine the Rh factor in the blood if you have not done this before. You can make both useful and pleasant.
Interesting Facts
- World Blood Donor Day is a holiday that has been approved since 2005, when people around the world participate in a voluntary blood donation program.
- If the mother has Rf (-), and the father has Rf (+), then the first pregnancy will pass with a lower risk to the fetus, since the pregnant woman's body will first encounter a Rh factor conflict.
- In fact, there are more blood systems than the group and Rh, they simply are the most popular and important. Scientists are still finding new systems.
- In an adult healthy person, the heart pumps about 12 liters of blood per day.
- Scientists from Japan revealed the dependence of the blood type and the nature of the person. Some companies consider this indicator as a reflection of the personal qualities of the future employee.
- During the Second World War, there was a need for the creation of Blood Banks - places where donor material is collected to help the wounded. The idea belonged to the physician Charles Drew, who died just from the loss of blood.
- Human plasma, which can also be surrendered, is 90% water.
Useful Tips
The most useful vitamin for blood is vitamin K. It is difficult to face a deficiency, since it is present in all vegetables and green fruits. So, you will improve its coagulability.
An active lifestyle is the key to health. It looks like a cliche, but believe me, it is. The state of blood in those who live in rhythm is better than in those who live on the couch.
Bad habits worsen the blood quality of both positive and negative Rh factor. By the way, there are limitations in the rules of donation.
There is a blood type diet. If health and a nutritionist allow you, then you can try on yourself the effectiveness of such a diet. And lose weight and improve health.
Conclusion
The main thing is to love and accept yourself as such a person as nature has created you. Unique and inimitable. In the modern world, it is not difficult to solve the difficulties that arose, such as those that we described above, it is important not to forget about yourself, your well-being and ensure a healthy future for your children. If you do not know your blood type and Rh factor, we recommend that you find out sooner, not only for yourself, but also for your loved ones. Forewarned is forearmed.