What Is Rh Incompatibility?
My blood type is O negative and my husband's is A positive. We just found out we're having a baby, and my doctor mentioned that there was a risk of Rh incompatibility. What does that mean?
- Veronica
Your Rh factor is either positive or negative, depending on the presence of a special protein on the surface of your red blood cells. When a woman who is Rh negative and a man who is Rh positive conceive a baby, there is the potential for the baby to be Rh positive. And when an Rh-positive baby is being carried by an Rh-negative woman, the woman may develop antibodies that can be harmful in future pregnancies. Fortunately, treatments are available to help prevent complications associated with Rh incompatibility. Talk to your doctor about these options.
For more information, check out this article.
What Is Rh Incompatibility?
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: February 2006
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2008 The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2009 The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
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