The Rh factor is a specific protein that is found in the blood on the surface of a red blood cell, a blood carrier. Some people on the planet have it, and some do not have this protein. Only 15% of people cannot detect the Rh factor, they are Rh negative, but 85% are carriers of this protein. Determination of the factor is made when the group affiliation of human blood is established. Throughout life, it does not change, and is also transmitted from parents to offspring. It is also important to determine it during pregnancy, because there may be conditions in which the life of the unborn child is in serious danger.
Immunological rhesus conflict
Before the baby was born, it is possible to establish its Rh factor only presumably. Quite often, a mother who does not have a Rhesus factor in her blood may have a baby who has it, and this is where the problem begins. This condition occurs (if dad is "positive"): the first pregnancy proceeds normally, but during the course of it the mother will develop antibodies, which during subsequent pregnancies can become a serious threat. If both parents are "negative" or "positive", then there is nothing to worry about - the offspring will be healthy, there is no risk of conflict. If it occurs, then the child will die without appropriate assistance. Also, the severity of the condition depends on the pregnancy - the more there were, the more dangerous it will be.
But do not worry, because what is the Rh factor? This is a protein that can trigger an immune response in the mother. If you consult with geneticists in advance and regularly observed by a gynecologist before childbirth, you can avoid the birth of an unhealthy baby.
When to fear?
What the Rhesus factor means seems to be understandable, but in what cases is it worth paying increased attention to it? Antibodies can appear if a woman has had an abortion, and the fetus was from a Rh-positive man, despite the fact that she does not have this protein in the blood; if a blood transfusion or pregnancy is not the first.
If a woman has a negative Rhesus factor, what factor is this? The risk level must be determined in advance. It is important to double-check the blood group for Rhesus affiliation. Then find out if there are antibodies to a specific red blood cell protein of the father or to his red blood cells.
Danger to the child
Antibodies that are produced by the mother’s body penetrate the placenta and begin to attack the baby’s red blood cells. Then the number of cells that can carry oxygen decreases. Hemoglobin during decomposition is converted to bilirubin, which gives a specific yellow color of the skin and sclera. Moreover, it has a toxic effect on brain cells, as well as on speech and hearing. The liver and spleen become large, trying to compensate for the lack of red blood cells.
Sooner or later, a deficiency occurs, which is called anemia, swelling occurs, and the baby himself can die. This is what the Rh factor of the mother of the baby and the importance of determining it in the early stages of pregnancy mean. And then, knowing about the problem, you can quickly and effectively help.
There is an exit
This condition can be prevented and the conflict does not develop fully. Take measures before pregnancy. It’s worth starting with documentary evidence to know your Rh factor exactly. What factor plays a role in this matter? First of all, time. Determine the group and Rhesus and is the future father of the child. If there is protein in a man’s blood, it is necessary to consult a doctor and take measures to prevent the development of conflict.
Do not be afraid
If partners have an incompatible Rh factor, a factor of which may not be entirely favorable, you should not worry. Just such a pregnancy is being watched a lot more closely. They constantly take blood from a vein (it is much easier to control the level of antibodies), and the closer the delivery period, the more often you have to donate blood for examination.
The first pregnancy does not give conflict, but along with this is the trigger for the development of this condition. The first contact of the red blood cells of the mother and the fetus does not cause a violent immune response, but the subsequent pregnancy constantly provokes it. Only a specialist can prevent conflict.
Negative maternal rhesus factor - a factor of what? What determines the method of delivery and its timing? You can give birth earlier than it should be: the fetus will be premature, but at the modern level of medicine it can be released and blood transfused instead of its own - this is an exchange-replacement transfusion.
There is also serum that inhibits the development of antibodies. Enter it after the first birth or an aborted pregnancy in the first three days. Do not worry about the birth of a child, medicine does not stand still. It’s just important to know what the Rh factor is, how it can affect the bearing. Timely measures taken will guarantee the birth of healthy offspring.