On this page, you will find everything you need to know about Rh incompatibility (blood type incompatibility during pregnancy).
What is Rh Incompatibility?
The Rh factor is a type of protein found on the surface of red blood cells. People who have the Rh factor are considered to have a positive blood type, while those who do not have it have a negative blood type. The Rh factor is important during pregnancy, and incompatibility between the mother and fetus can lead to complications.
What Are the Symptoms of Rh Incompatibility?
Rh incompatibility typically does not cause any noticeable symptoms in the mother. However, if the parents have different blood types, a medical consultation is necessary.
What Causes Rh Incompatibility?
Rh incompatibility occurs when the mother has a negative blood type and the fetus has a positive blood type. For example:
The mother has O- and the fetus has B+.
The mother has A- and the fetus has A+.
When the blood types are incompatible, the mother's immune system may react by attacking the fetus's red blood cells.
How is Rh Incompatibility Diagnosed?
The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. Additional procedures may be requested, such as blood type testing.
What Are the Treatment Options for Rh Incompatibility?
Treatment involves several measures depending on the case, and may include:
Receiving the RhoGAM injection in two doses:
- The first dose is at 28 weeks of pregnancy.
- The second dose is given within 72 hours after delivery.
RhoGAM is also administered in the following cases:
- After a miscarriage.
- After certain prenatal tests, like amniocentesis.
- After abdominal trauma during pregnancy.
How Can Rh Incompatibility Be Prevented?
Complications from Rh incompatibility can be completely prevented by receiving a RhoGAM injection during each pregnancy if the mother is Rh-negative and the father is Rh-positive.
What Are the Complications of Rh Incompatibility?
Rh incompatibility may lead to:
- Hemolytic anemia in the fetus.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes in the newborn ().
- Fetal death.
- Miscarriage.
- Hydrocephalus.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should see your doctor regularly throughout your pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When does Rh incompatibility become dangerous?
It becomes a concern if the mother has a negative blood type and the father has a positive blood type.
