When Does the Rh Factor Cause Problems?
The Rh factor causes problems when an Rh-negative person’s blood comes in contact with an Rh-positive blood. If this contact occurs, the person with Rh-negative blood may become sensitized. This means he or she produces antibodies to fight the Rh factor as if it were a harmful substance. An Rh-negative woman can become sensitized if she is pregnant with an Rh-positive fetus. If a pregnant woman’s blood group is Rh negative, knowing whether the father is Rh positive or Rh negative will help find the risk of Rh sensitization. An Rh-negative mother and an Rh-positive father can conceive and Rh positive child During pregnancy, mother and fetus do not share blood systems. Blood from the fetus can cross the placenta into the mother’s system, though. When this occurs, a small number of pregnant women with Rh-negative blood who carry an Rh-positive fetus will react as if it were allergic to the fetal blood. Then, they become sensitized by making antibodies. These antibodies go back to the fetu
