The Rh factor is a specific protein that is found in the blood on the surface of the erythrocyte - the blood carrier. Some inhabitants of the planet have it, and some do not have this protein. Only 15% of people will not be able to detect the Rh factor, they are Rh-negative, but 85% are carriers of this protein. The factor is determined when the group affiliation of human blood is established. During 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 Rh factor in her blood may have a baby who has it, and this is where the problem begins. There is such a condition (if the father is "positive"): the first pregnancy proceeds normally, but during it the mother develops antibodies, which during subsequent pregnancies can become a serious threat. If both parents"negative" or "positive", then there is nothing to worry about - the offspring will be he althy, 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 pregnancies - the more there were, the more dangerous it will be.
But don't worry, what is the Rh factor? It is a protein that can trigger an immune response in the mother's body. If you consult with geneticists in advance and regularly see a gynecologist before childbirth, you can avoid the birth of an unhe althy baby.
When to be afraid?
What does the Rh factor seem to be clear, but in what cases should you pay more attention to it? Antibodies may 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 her blood; if a blood transfusion was performed or pregnancy is not the first.
If a woman is Rh negative, what is it? The level of risk must be determined in advance. It is important to double-check the blood type for Rh-affiliation. Then find out if there are antibodies to a specific protein of the father's red blood cells or to his red blood cells.
Danger for a child
Antibodies produced by the mother's body cross the placenta and begin to attack the baby's red blood cells. Then the number of cells that can carry oxygen decreases. Hemoglobin breaks down into bilirubin, which gives a specific yellow color to the skin and sclera. Furthermore,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 may die. Here is what the Rh factor of the mother of the child means and the importance of its determination in early pregnancy. And then, knowing about the problem, you can quickly and effectively help.
There is a way out
This state can be prevented and prevent the conflict from developing fully. Measures should be taken before pregnancy occurs. You should start with documentary evidence in order to know exactly your Rh factor. What factor plays a role in this case? First of all, time. The future father of the child also has to determine the group and Rhesus. If there is a protein in the blood of a man, then it is necessary to consult a doctor and take measures to prevent the development of a conflict.
Don't be afraid
If partners have an incompatible Rh factor, the factor of which may not be entirely favorable, you should not worry. It's just that such a pregnancy is watched much more closely. They constantly take blood from a vein (this way it is much easier to control the level of antibodies), and the closer the due date, the more often you have to donate blood for research.
The first pregnancy does not give a conflict, but on a par with this it is a trigger for the development of this condition. The first contact of maternal and fetal erythrocytes does not cause a violent immune response, but heresubsequent pregnancies constantly provoke it. Only a specialist can prevent a conflict.
Negative maternal Rh factor - a factor of what? What determines the method of delivery and its timing? It is possible to give birth earlier than expected: the fetus will be premature, but with the modern level of medicine, it can be taken out and blood transfused instead of its own - this is an exchange-replacement transfusion.
There is also a serum that inhibits the development of antibodies. Enter it after the first birth or interrupted pregnancy in the first three days. You should 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 gestation. Timely measures will be the key to the birth of he althy offspring.
