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Serological conflict is one of the most dangerous diseases that can occur during pregnancy. It can be associated with the loss of the baby if it is not detected and the pregnancy is not properly managed. So it is worth to know the reasons for this state of affairs in advance and to learn a new term that every mother-to-be should know: what is a serological conflict? Below is a simple explanation.
Serological conflict – what is it?
This problem arises when the mother’s blood is Rh- and the father’s blood is Rh+. Normally, the baby inherits the mother’s Rh factor, so in this case it should be Rh-. Unfortunately, in some isolated cases, the child inherits the Rh+ factor from the father. Then the mother’s body may recognize the child as a foreign body, something threatening and try to remove it. The fetus is then attacked by the mother’s antibodies and a miscarriage may occur. The blood of mother and child can also meet at birth, which is most likely. For this reason, the first pregnancy and the first child are not at risk, even if there is a conflict. However, this is a real threat to mothers who have given birth before. During a healthy pregnancy, there is no way for the mother’s body to “encounter” the baby’s blood and consider it an “intruder” during pregnancy. Unfortunately, this is a big problem during subsequent pregnancies, because the previously produced antibodies already have the strength to cross the placenta.
Which moms are affected by this issue?
For pregnant women, the most important thing will be a blood test. This phenomenon only occurs in mothers who have Rh- blood. If we have blood with the Rh + factor, we do not have to worry about the occurrence of such a problem. It is worth mentioning that only 15% of the population has the Rh- blood factor, and as many as 85 percent. of us – the Rh + factor. Similarly, if we have the Rh- factor, but our partner also has blood with the Rh- factor, then there is nothing to worry about. In this case, it is impossible for the child to have Rh+ blood, i.e. it is impossible for a serological conflict to occur.
How to prevent the disease?
- First of all, the doctor will immediately order a blood test and determine whether a conflict may occur or whether there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of
- The doctor gives a pregnant woman with serological conflict anti-D immunoglobulin, which works in such a way that it inhibits the production of antibodies that could “attack” the fetus
- Childbirth can be performed by caesarean section, it does not have to be a natural birth, which promotes the mixing of mother’s and child’s blood
- The doctor observes the fetus throughout the pregnancy and takes care of the health of the mother and child. Visits should be regular, and the expectant mother should make sure that she always attends such a visit