What if the Rh factor is negative?

The Rh factor is a protein found on the surface of red blood cells in the blood. The presence or absence of this antigen can be determined by a simple assay for the blood group. The statistics show that the seventh part of the world's population has a Rh factor that is negative. This means that the protein on the surface of the erythrocytes, which was mentioned above, is completely absent.

Negative Rh factor in women: what is dangerous?

This genetic feature is characteristic for both men and women, but for a strong half of the population there is absolutely no danger. Also worry about the Rh factor is not worth it for women who have it positive. The only cause for concern is the case when a woman's Rh factor is negative, and she is carrying a Rh-positive fetus. In cases where the blood of the child's mother does not contain antibodies, and in the blood of the father on the surface of red blood cells there is a protein responsible for the positive Rh factor, there is a risk that the fetus will inherit the genes of the father. There is a risk of formation of Rh-conflict, which can cause a number of troubles. They are mainly associated with the second and third pregnancies. The mother's organism takes the protein found in the blood of the fetus as an alien body, and the process of formation of protective cells begins, which through the placenta can penetrate to the unborn child and destroy its immunity in the womb of the mother. A pregnant woman does not feel any changes, but they can be determined with the help of special tests. Sometimes the first and second child are born healthy, but with each subsequent pregnancy the risk more and more increases. In such cases, it is said that in a woman, the Rh factor is positive-negative. The statistics show that only 0.8% of pregnant women have a phenomenon such as Rh-conflict. This can cause miscarriage or some serious illnesses of the child, such as an increase in the size of the spleen, heart and liver, jaundice, erythroblastosis or reticulocytosis. In more severe cases - anemia, edematous syndrome in a baby or even a dropsy of the fetus. Since these diseases are very severe, in many cases, a dead child or the death of a newborn can occur.

In what cases is Rhesus sensitization manifested?

The reasons for the fact that antibodies to the antigen D have been formed in the mother's body are quite a lot:

- the blood of a child enters the bloodstream of the mother during labor (in the case when the mother is "positive", and in the fetus the Rh factor is negative);

- in cases of ectopic or interrupted pregnancy,

- with miscarriage or bleeding for more than 12 weeks, etc.

How to avoid Rh-conflict?

In most cases, a mother whose blood lacks D antigen, the first child with the presence of this gene is born healthy. In subsequent pregnancies, the situation becomes more complicated, but in such cases one should not lose hope. For example, in the mother's body, in which the Rh factor is negative, special antibodies are introduced during the three days after birth or other events provoking the mixing of blood with the opposite Rh factor, which block the formation of protective reactions in the female body. This is the most reliable help for those who want to create a large family and give birth to not just one child, but several.