Rh incompatibility occurs when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby, which can lead to complications during pregnancy. This happens because the Rh factor is a protein found on the surface of red blood cells. People who have this protein are Rh-positive, while those who lack it are Rh-negative. When an Rh-negative mother is exposed to Rh-positive blood—whether through a blood transfusion, a previous pregnancy, or miscarriage—her immune system may create antibodies that attack Rh-positive red blood cells, a response that can be dangerous for the baby.
How Does Rh Incompatibility Affect Pregnancy?
For first pregnancies, Rh incompatibility usually doesn't cause issues because the mother’s immune system has not yet been sensitized to Rh-positive blood. However, if the mother has been exposed to Rh-positive blood in the past (due to pregnancy loss, an ectopic pregnancy, or a previous birth), her immune system may produce antibodies that attack the Rh-positive red blood cells of the baby, leading to conditions such as fetal anemia or, in severe cases, fetal death.
Prevention and Treatment
Fortunately, Rh incompatibility can be managed with preventive treatment. Rh-negative pregnant women are often given an injection of RhoGAM (anti-D immunoglobulin) during pregnancy and after delivery to prevent the development of Rh antibodies. The Coombs test, a blood test for the mother, is used to detect if antibodies have already formed. If antibodies are detected, close monitoring and special care are required throughout the pregnancy. In extreme cases where the baby’s life is at risk, a fetal blood transfusion may be performed before or after birth to replace the baby’s blood with Rh-negative blood.
Rh incompatibility is a serious condition, but with early detection and proper medical intervention, it can be successfully managed to protect both the mother and the baby. Regular prenatal check-ups and appropriate treatment ensure that most pregnancies affected by Rh incompatibility proceed without complications.
For more information on managing Rh incompatibility during pregnancy, contact Nicosia Fertility.