Why is Rh factor so important?
If Rh +ve RBCs get into the blood of Rh ve patients, they start producing antibodies against Rh factor. By the time antibodies are formed, blood is so much diluted that no harm occurs. Harmful reactions may occur when this Rh ve patient is again exposed to Rh +ve blood. It may also result in Death. While examining blood for transfusion; it is an international practice to check both ABO & Rh groups. Another field where caution is a MUST is a pregnant woman. How does Rh affect a Pregnancy? Rh factor is inherited. Child of an Rh ve mother and Rh +ve father may be Rh +ve. During pregnancy, mother s and child s blood mixes freely. Some of child s RBCs enter mother s blood stream. Mother s body then build up Anti-Rh. Most of the antibody is not formed until after the baby is born, however, it seldom causes problems with the first child. Once formed these antibodies don t die. If the mother becomes pregnant with another Rh +ve baby, she now has a readymade supply of Anti-Rh. The flow of large
