The Rh factor is one of the significant characteristics of human blood, and means the presence (positive) or absence (negative) of a specific antigen protein on the surface of red blood cells.. During pregnancy, a woman with a lack of antigen D, if the fetus has Rh-positive blood, it is possible to develop antibodies to the erythrocytes of the fetus, which is fraught with a response from his body - the production of a large amount of bilirubin and the development of hemolytic jaundice of the newborn and problems with the liver, kidneys and others.

What you need to know the expectant mother with a negative Rh:.

During the first pregnancy, there is no real danger to the fetus, since the baby’s blood does not come into contact with the mother’s blood until the moment of birth, and, accordingly, no antibodies are produced until this moment.

Control over the course of pregnancy in an Rh-negative mother is more thorough than in the rest. So, regardless of the Rh factor of the father of the child, it is necessary to regularly donate blood for the presence of antibodies..

It is important to prevent the production of antibodies by the mother during the first pregnancy.. At a period of 28-30 weeks, the first inoculation of anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin is given.. This vaccine is safe for mother and fetus and quite effective..

Immunoglobulin re-vaccination is done after the birth of the baby only if his blood turned out to be Rh-positive, if the baby's Rh is negative, re-vaccination is not required. The baby's blood type is checked within 72 hours of birth..

If antibodies are found in the mother's blood, there is no point in vaccinating, in this case, constant monitoring of the child's condition is necessary - ultrasound is performed every 2-3 weeks, and after 25 weeks - Doppler ultrasound. If the condition worsens, a fetal blood transfusion is possible or, if time permits, artificial birth.

Anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin vaccination should also be carried out if a previous pregnancy was interrupted. It may also be required after some procedures, such as chorionic villus sampling, amniotic fluid sampling, etc..

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