One common belief is that of the non-existence of the Rhesus Factor (Rh factor). What is the Rh factor? This is one of the biggest things that can affect your pregnancy. The Rh factor is a protein that is found on the surface of the red blood cells. If the red blood cells have this protein on top of it, it means that person is Rh positive(+), and if it is not found, that person is Rh negative(-) .
The Rh factor is not contagious neither is it a disease. It is rather genetic, meaning that it is passed from parent to child through the genes. Problems can occur during pregnancy if the mother is Rh(-) and the fetus is Rh (+), this is called Rh Incompatibility. When there is Rh incompatibility, the blood of the fetus goes into the blood stream of the mother. The anti-Rh anti-bodies are activated immediately to fight it. These anti-bodies can cross the placenta and destroy the fetus’ blood, thereby leading to the death of the fetus.
Rh factor can be prevented by getting the Rh immunoglobin (Rhlg) in these circumstances:
- Finding out if you are Rh(-) before or early in pregnancy (this will stop the mother from producing Rh anti-bodies in the first place).
- Around 28 weeks of pregnancy, after an ectopic pregnancy or a first-trimester (first 3 months) miscarriage or abortion.
- Within 72 hours after birth of the Rh(+)baby, bleeding during pregnancy.
Rh anti-bodies can also be activated when an Rh(+) blood is given to an Rh(-) person. When an Rh(-) woman marries a Rh(+) man, the chances of having an affected child is relatively small during the first pregnancy, although the risk of developing antibodies develops with other pregnancies. On the other hand, if a Rh(+) woman marries a Rh(-) man, there are chances that the baby might be Rh(+), because the baby can take up the father’s blood group. This baby is prone to Rh(+) disease.
It is advised that we check all of these aspects before getting married.
Lots of tests to do before getting married
Confession time, I was totally ignorant of what RH meant, not that I’m still sure of what it means but thanks Sidomex for bringing this to my attention. I guess I have some googling to do to know more. That’s why I like this blog, they always throw something informative stuff to readers and not only silly celeb gossip. Yes, I like celeb gossip but I like learning something meaningful as well.