Rhesus is the name given to a structure made of protein which is found on the surface of red blood cells. There are two types of this structure: Rhesus Positive (RhD positive) and Rhesus Negative (RhD negative).

 

The first one is the most common and about one in six people are RhD negative. At your first antenatal appointment you will be given a blood test to determine your blood group: A, B, AB, O, and if you are positive or negative. If you are found to be negative, your second and subsequent pregnancies will be of most concern rather than your first.

 

1. How will being rhesus negative affect me and my child?

If your partner is RhD positive your baby can inherit their blood type, and your first pregnancy and delivery can go about as normal. However, while the baby is growing, small amounts of their blood can pass through the placenta to the mother’s bloodstream, particularly after birth or a vaginal bleed. If this happens, your body will react to the new blood type, creating anti-bodies that can harm the baby and any future babies.

 

Production of the antibodies during the first pregnancy is not an issue, but it is for subsequent pregnancies. The next time you have a RhD positive baby your antibodies can attack their red blood cells causing anaemia and jaundice. 

 

 

2. What is done to protect this and future pregnancies?

At week 28 of your pregnancy you will be offered an injection of anti-D to get rid of any RhD positive cells in your blood stream, and prevent your body forming antibodies against it. 

 

3. What is anti-D?

Anti-D is an immunoglobin produced by plasma and is not harmful to you or your baby. It is generally considered safe and rarely causes an adverse reaction. However, in very rare cases some women can suffer an allergic response. It is given to get rid of any antibodies that the body has developed against RhD positive cells.

 

4. What happens after delivery?

After delivery, a blood test will be taken from the umbilical cord – if the baby is found to be rhesus positive you will be given an anti-D injection if you haven't already had one. 

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