- What is Rhesus Factor? The Rh factor is a type of protein that’s usually on blood cells. When you have this protein, you are considered Rh positive. About 85% of people are Rh-positive while the rest are Rh-negative meaning they don’t have the protein.
- When to get tested: Every woman who’s pregnant gets the RH test. It is one of the first and most important test to get at the early stage of pregnancy and it is done once during pregnancy.
- Why you need to get tested: During pregnancy if the mother is negative and the baby is positive, there might be a bit of a problem. When the blood of the baby and the mother come in contact either during labour or child birth, the blood of the mother will start to make antibodies that can damage the red blood cells of the child. This could cause the baby to develop anemia and other problems.
- How to get treated: If you are Rh-negative and your baby is Rh-positive, Do not to worry. At around 28 weeks, your doctor will give you a shot of Rh immunoglobulin (RhIG). This drug stops your body from making antibodies for the rest of your pregnancy. You may need a dose after delivery, too.
- Bonus tips: If you get pregnant again later, you will need further shots of RhIG. If you have any spotting or bleeding during pregnancy your doctor may choose to give you a shot of Rh immunoglobulin at that time as well. Be sure to check with your doctor if you do have any spotting during pregnancy, especially if you are Rh-negative.
