Rhesus Conflict

Rhesus conflict

The Rh factor is one of many blood group antigens found on the surface of red blood cells (erythrocytes). Most people have proteins on the surface of their red blood cells called the Rh factor. If you have this antigen, then you are considered Rh positive; if you do not have the antigen, you are Rh negative.

Rh conflict can occur during pregnancy in a woman with Rh negative if the fetus’s blood is Rh positive. At the same time, antibodies are produced in the mother's blood, which pass through the placenta to the fetus and destroy its red blood cells. This can lead to the development of hemolytic disease of the fetus, which is manifested by jaundice, edema and damage to the central nervous system.

The likelihood of Rh conflict during the first pregnancy is low, since the mother does not yet have antibodies. However, with subsequent pregnancies the risk increases sharply.

To prevent Rh conflict, a pregnant woman is administered anti-Rh immunoglobulin within 72 hours after childbirth, abortion, miscarriage or other invasive procedures. This blocks the formation of antibodies.

If a Rhesus conflict is suspected, the pregnant woman and the fetus are under close medical supervision. If necessary, intrauterine blood transfusion to the fetus or early delivery by cesarean section are performed.

Thus, timely diagnosis and prevention make it possible in the vast majority of cases to avoid the development of this formidable complication of pregnancy.