Rh Factor Incompatibility
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
Rh (rhesus) factor incompatibility is a condition that occurs when a mother is Rh negative (Rh-) and her baby is Rh positive (Rh+). Rh factor is a protein found on red blood cells. You are Rh+ if you have this protein and Rh- if you do not have it. Rh incompatibility usually has little effect on your first pregnancy, but can cause problems with future pregnancies.
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Tests:
- Blood tests are used to check your blood type to see if you have antibodies to Rh factor. Blood tests to check the father's blood type and Rh factor may also be done.
- Fetal blood sampling may be done to check your baby's blood type and risk of anemia. Healthcare providers take a sample of your baby's blood from the umbilical cord. With an ultrasound to guide them, a needle is put through your skin, into your uterus, and into the umbilical cord.
- A fetal biophysical profile is a test that combines a nonstress test with an ultrasound of your unborn baby. The nonstress test measures changes in your baby's heartbeat during movement. The ultrasound will show your baby's movement and how his or her muscles are working. It will also show the amount of fluid around him or her. It will also show if your baby's breathing muscles are working.
- Ultrasound pictures can help healthcare providers learn your baby's age and see how fast he or she is growing. The movement, heart rate, and other organs of your baby can be seen. Your placenta (tissue in the womb connecting the mother and baby) and amniotic fluid may be checked. A Doppler ultrasound may be used in place of an amniocentesis to see the blood flow in your baby's body. Healthcare providers may use this test to check if your baby has anemia.
- Amniocentesis is a procedure to take a sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds your baby in the uterus. This procedure is used to look for problems with your baby. Healthcare providers use a needle, guided by an ultrasound, and remove a small amount of fluid from your baby's amniotic sac.
Treatment:
You will not need treatment for Rh incompatibility problems, but your baby might. Treatment may include any of the following:
- Phototherapy is done to help reduce jaundice. Your baby will be put into a light box to remove a buildup of a substance in the blood that causes jaundice.
- Blood transfusions may be given through the umbilical cord and after birth to treat severe anemia.
- Immunoglobulin injections of antibodies help reduce the destruction of red blood cells.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
RISKS:
If Rh immune globulin shots are not given, Rh antibodies may form and put your baby or next pregnancy at risk. Your baby may have severe anemia and need blood transfusions. This may cause bleeding, allergic reactions, or infections. Even with treatment, your baby may have brain damage. Rh incompatibility may be life-threatening to your baby.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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