What is rh ve

If your blood has the protein, you're Rh positive. If your blood lacks the protein, you're Rh negative. Rh positive is the most common blood type. Having an Rh negative blood type is not an illness and usually does not affect your health. However, it can affect your pregnancy.

Your pregnancy needs special care if you're Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive Rh incompatibility. A baby can inherit the Rh factor from either parent. Your health care provider will recommend a blood type and Rh factor screening test during your first prenatal visit. This will identify whether your blood cells carry the Rh factor protein. During pregnancy, problems can occur if you're Rh negative and the baby you're carrying is Rh positive.

Usually, your blood doesn't mix with your baby's blood during pregnancy. However, a small amount of your baby's blood could come in contact with your blood during delivery or if you experience bleeding or abdominal trauma during pregnancy. If you're Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive, your body might produce proteins called Rh antibodies after exposure to the baby's red blood cells. The antibodies produced aren't a problem during the first pregnancy.

The concern is with your next pregnancy. If your next baby is Rh positive, these Rh antibodies can cross the placenta and damage the baby's red blood cells. This could lead to life-threatening anemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the baby's body can replace them. Red blood cells are needed to carry oxygen throughout the body. This exam requires a healthcare professional to collect a sample of blood from a vein in the hand or arm to perform the test.

The American Red Cross tests all blood donations for Rh factor along with blood type and various infectious diseases. Nothing needs to be done to prepare for the screening test. However, to ensure a successful donation make sure to be well rested, well-nourished and hydrated before and after your appointment. Local Home Page. What Is The Rh Factor? Why Is It Important? February 02, If your blood type is positive, then your blood cells have the Rh protein.

However, women with Rh-negative blood type must get injections:. Neonatal jaundice and liver diseases. Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine.

Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Kliegman RM, St. Blood disorders. In: Kliegman RM, St. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Moise KJ. Red cell alloimmunization. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies.

Updated by: Neil K. Editorial team. Rh incompatibility. After birth, the infant may have: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes jaundice Low muscle tone hypotonia and lethargy. Exams and Tests. There may be: A positive direct Coombs test result Higher-than-normal levels of bilirubin in the baby's umbilical cord blood Signs of red blood cell destruction in the infant's blood.

Outlook Prognosis. Full recovery is expected for mild Rh incompatibility. Possible Complications. Complications may include: Brain damage due to high levels of bilirubin kernicterus Fluid buildup and swelling in the baby hydrops fetalis Problems with mental function, movement, hearing, speech, and seizures.