Rhesus factor is a genetic trait inherited from parents, and its presence or absence in women has significant implications. Let’s find out how.
The Rhesus factor, also known as the Rh factor, is a protein that can be found on the surface of red blood cells. This protein is either present (Rh-positive) or absent (Rh-negative) in individuals.
Knowing your Rhesus factor is particularly crucial for women, especially during pregnancy and childbirth. The Rh factor plays a significant role in determining the health of both the mother and child.
Understanding its implications allows the mother to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions to ensure a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.
Although inherited from parents, its presence or absence has implications in medical procedures, pregnancy, and blood transfusions.
Types of Rhesus Factor
There are two main types of Rhesus factor: the Rh-positive (Rh+) and the Rh-negative (Rh-).
Rh-positive (Rh+) carriers refer to individuals who have the protein present on the surface of their red blood cells. It is the most common type, with about 85% of the population being Rh-positive. The presence of the Rh factor is determined by the presence of the Rhesus gene, known as the RhD gene. If an individual inherits at least one copy of the RhD gene from either parent, they will be Rh-positive. This means that their red blood cells will have the Rh protein on their surface.
On the other hand, Rh-negative (Rh-) carriers refer to individuals who lack the Rh protein on the surface of their red blood cells; approximately 15% of the population is Rh-negative. Unlike Rh-positive, Rh-negative carriers inherit two copies of a different version of the Rhesus gene, known as RhD-. This gene does not code for the Rh protein, resulting in its absence in the red blood cells.
The Rh factor inheritance follows a predictable pattern. If both parents are Rh-positive, the child will also be Rh-positive since he/she will inherit at least one copy of the RhD gene. However, if either parent is Rh-negative, the child may or may not be Rh-positive, depending on the genotype of the RhD gene.
If both parents are Rh-negative, the child will also be Rh-negative since he/she will inherit two copies of the RhD- gene.
The Significance of the Rhesus Factor
1. Rh Incompatibility and Pregnancy
The significance of the Rhesus factor lies in its potential complications during pregnancy. If an Rh-negative woman carries an Rh-positive fetus, there is a risk of Rh incompatibility. This occurs when the mother’s immune system recognises the Rh protein on the fetal red blood cells as foreign and produces antibodies to fight against it.
Rh incompatibility during pregnancy can lead to serious health risks and complications. If the antibodies produced by the mother’s immune system cross the placenta and enter the baby’s bloodstream, it can destroy the baby’s red blood cells. This condition, known as Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN), can result in severe anaemia, jaundice, and, in severe cases, brain damage or even death.
2. Blood Transfusions
Knowing the Rh factor is crucial when it comes to blood donations and transfusions. Individuals with Rh-positive blood do not produce anti-Rh antibodies, whereas those with Rh-negative blood do. This means that individuals with Rh+ blood can receive both Rh+ and Rh- transfusions, while individuals with Rh- blood can only receive Rh- blood. The screening of both blood type and Rh factor serves to classify blood donations and provide necessary support to patients if incompatibility is identified during the Rh screening test.
Importance of Rh Testing during Pregnancy
Rh testing is essential to determine a woman’s Rhesus factor status during pregnancy. This test is typically conducted during early prenatal care to establish whether a woman is Rh negative or positive. If the woman is Rh-negative, further testing is done to determine if she has been sensitised to the Rh antigen in a previous pregnancy or blood transfusion.
Prevention and Treatment
Knowing the mother’s Rh factor allows healthcare professionals to take necessary precautions to prevent Rh incompatibility complications. If a woman is Rh-negative and has not been sensitised, she can be given a medication called Rh immune globulin (RhIg) during the pregnancy or within 72 hours after childbirth. RhIg prevents the mother’s immune system from producing antibodies against the baby’s Rh-positive blood. This treatment significantly reduces the risk of Rh incompatibility complications.
Conclusion
Understanding and knowing your Rhesus factor as a woman is very important, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth. Being aware of your Rh status enables you to receive proper medical care, undergo necessary tests, and take preventive measures to ensure a healthy pregnancy and the safety of your baby.
By being informed about the importance of the Rhesus factor, women can make informed decisions and work closely with healthcare professionals to maintain optimal reproductive health.
Researched by Olamide Opebiyi
