The Rh factor of a person is determined by the presence of specific proteins in his blood. And if a woman does not have such proteins, she belongs to the Rh-negative group. This factor affects the course of pregnancy, therefore, tests for the determination of the Rh antigen are given to expectant mothers in the first place.
Instructions
Step 1
What is the Rh factor? The Rh antigen or Rh factor is a protein located on the surface of red blood cells. It is curious that it got its name from the name of the monkey breed, in which it was first identified by scientists. The Rh antigen is inherited as the dominant trait, therefore it is present in the majority of the world's population. But there are also people who have Rh negative blood.
Step 2
According to statistics, on the planet, only 15% of the population has Rh-negative blood. And if the expectant mother does not have Rh antigen, Rh conflict is possible during pregnancy. A specific protein determines the relationship between the pregnant woman and the fetus, but even with Rh-negative blood, there is a chance that the bearing of the child will be successful and calm.
Step 3
Rh-conflict during pregnancy can occur only when a woman has a negative Rh antigen, and a man has a positive one. However, a conflict arises if the child inherits the father's Rh factor. This parameter is indicated at 7-8 weeks of pregnancy. In the case when the fetus receives the dad's Rh antigen, it develops a reaction from the mother's body. The immune system of the pregnant woman will perceive the baby's Rh-positive red blood cells as foreign. Accordingly, the mother may begin to develop Rh antibodies. They are able to penetrate the placenta, destructively acting on the blood cells of the fetus.
Step 4
Even with a predisposition to Rh-conflict, there is practically no threat for pregnant women and their babies if the pregnancy is the first. In the second pregnancy, complications are possible, because the mother's blood will already have antigens.
Step 5
The presence of antibodies in the mother's blood can cause not only the Rh-conflict, but the child's hemolytic disease can become a complication of pregnancy. Its course and in general its presence depends on the amount, class of antibodies produced by the body of the pregnant woman. And with Rh-negative blood of the expectant mother, doctors need to monitor the rise or fall of antibody titers. Often, with suspicions of hemolytic disease, in addition to regular tests and monitoring of the pregnant woman, additional ultrasound is prescribed. They will help control the development of the fetus.
Step 6
If antibodies are detected, the mother may be prescribed nonspecific supportive treatment. If there is a threat to the child, plasmaphoresis may be prescribed. Also, with a Rh-negative status of a pregnant woman, doctors monitor the date of birth, because the situation can become dangerous with early or late birth.
