Contents
Everyone’s blood is different. Some people have a factor called the D antigen, others don’t. This is where the serological conflict comes from: the fetus can inherit the presence of the factor from the father, while the mother’s blood does not. Then the woman’s body begins to treat the fetus as something “foreign” and tries to eliminate the threat. Fortunately, modern medical achievements can deal with this problem!
What is the D antigen?
In addition to differences in blood group (A, B, AB, 0), we also differ in the presence of the D antigen. Most people have it – it is detected on average in 85% of the population. People with Rh- blood therefore constitute only 15% of the total. The term “Rh” comes from its discovery initially in Rhesus monkeys. If you have Rh + blood, you are not at risk of a serological conflict, but if you belong to the aforementioned minority, you should check what factor the child’s father has. If also Rh-, there is no reason to worry, because the child will inherit it from one of the parents. However, if the father is Rh+ and the mother is Rh-, there is a 60% chance that the fetus will inherit the factor from the father. Then there may be a serological conflict.
How does it happen?
When the mother-to-be has the Rh- blood group and the baby is Rh+, antibodies may be produced during childbirth or miscarriage. That is why in the case of the first pregnancy there is no threat, because the body “learns” too late about the “intruder” who was inside. It is only during the next pregnancy that they can travel to the placenta and attack the red blood cells of the fetus. In the past, a serological conflict could lead to jaundice, anemia or death of the child. Today, even in a situation where a conflict occurs, doctors can not only save the fetus, but also prevent such a situation from arising.
What promotes the entry of fetal blood into the woman’s bloodstream?
In order for the mother’s body to start producing antibodies, more than 0,2 ml of the baby’s blood must enter it. This is mainly due to:
- Caesarean section,
- Miscarriage,
- detachment from the placenta,
- prenatal examination,
- hemorrhages,
- operative delivery,
- Ectopic pregnancy,
- Intrauterine treatments.
How to prevent it?
Doctors focus primarily on preventing conflict at all. For this to happen, the expectant mother with the Rh- group receives a natural blood product in the form of an injection, which will prevent the formation of antibodies dangerous to the fetus in the body. It is given in two ways: by giving two doses of anti-D immunoglobin – one at 28 weeks of pregnancy and the other after delivery, or just after delivery.