Rh Factor
by Lindsey Haines
Description
The Rh factor is an antigen found in the blood stream. It is a specific protein found on the surface of red blood cells. Rh Incompatibility/Disease is when the mother is Rh-positive and the baby is Rh-negative. Rh factor is inherited, but it can be prevented from being harmful to the baby.
Causes & Complications
- Caused from parents having different blood types
- Rh factor is inherited
- Mother's blood can get into baby's bloodstream
- Mother and baby's blood cells will fight eachother
- Spotting, miscarriage, and abortion can cause fetal blood to get into blood stream
- Can be fatal to baby
- Can cause hemolytic anemia
- 1. condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them
- 2. red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body
Testing & Treatments
- Blood samples taken from vein in mother's arm
- Sent to a lab to see if she is Rh + or Rh -
- If Rh -, then get RhoGAM injection in muscle tissue at 28 weeks and 72 hours after delivery
Prevention
- Rh Disease and hemolytic anemia is now rare
- Get your blood tested early in pregnancy
- Get the RhoGAM injection if mother is Rh + and baby is Rh -
Work Cited
"What Is Rh Incompatibility?" NHLBI.com. NIH, n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. <http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/rh/>.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Rh Factor Blood Test." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 June 2012. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rh-factor/MY01163>.
"Rh Factor Testing." What to Expect. Pregnancy Health, n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. <http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/prenatal-testing/rh-factor.aspx>.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Rh Factor Blood Test." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 June 2012. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rh-factor/MY01163>.
"Rh Factor Testing." What to Expect. Pregnancy Health, n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. <http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/prenatal-testing/rh-factor.aspx>.