Rh Factor Incompatibility
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
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.
Signs and symptoms of Rh factor incompatibility:
No signs and symptoms will tell you if you have Rh factor incompatibility. Your baby may have the following signs and symptoms when he or she is born:
- Pale skin and mucous membranes (lining of the cheeks and gums)
- Limp and sleepy
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling in his or her face, arms, and legs
Seek care immediately if:
- You feel your baby is moving less or is not moving at all.
- You have trauma, especially to your abdomen, even if you do not feel like you were hurt.
- You have heavy vaginal bleeding.
Call your doctor or obstetrician if:
- You have a fever.
- You have severe abdominal pain.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment:
You will not need treatment for Rh incompatibility problems, but your baby might. Even with treatment, your baby may have brain damage. Rh incompatibility may be life-threatening to your baby. Treatment may include any of the following:
- Early delivery may be needed. Your healthcare provider will tell you more about inducing (starting) labor early.
- 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.
Prevent Rh factor incompatibility:
- Immune globulin (RhIg) shots prevent your body from making Rh antibodies. RhIg shots are usually given in the 28th week of pregnancy and within 72 hours after you give birth. You may need another shot if you have not given birth within 12 weeks after the first shot. RhIg shots may also be given after an abortion, miscarriage, or abdominal trauma.
- Shots are also given after any procedure that may cause your baby's blood to leak into your bloodstream. These procedures may include amniocentesis, fetal blood sampling, or a change in the baby's position in the womb before birth.
Follow up with your doctor or obstetrician as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
For support and more information:
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
P.O. Box 70620
Washington , DC 20024-9998
Phone: 1- 202 - 638-5577
Phone: 1- 800 - 673-8444
Web Address: http://www.acog.org
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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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