What is the danger of rhesus conflict during pregnancy

After the expectant mother is registered at the clinic, the doctor gives a referral to determine the group of the baby's parents. And now comes the very moment when you are announced about the Rh-conflict. But don't panic! To understand this situation correctly, in the article we will tell you in more detail about the Rh-conflict and give some valuable advice on how to behave under such circumstances.

How to understand Rh-conflict during pregnancy

For many people, it still remains a mystery what the Rh factor is and why it was invented. This indicator indicates the presence of protein in the blood. That is, if a person has a positive blood group, then the protein is present. If negative, respectively, there is no protein. And here the most interesting thing begins: the Rh-conflict can only be if the mother is the carrier of the negative group, and the father is positive.

But do not feel that you are now obliged to find another partner or to give up pregnancy altogether. Many doctors intimidate us with scary stories and paint a dramatic picture. Everything is not so scary if you take tests on time and monitor the level of antibodies.

That is, if the level of antibodies rises, then the fetus begins to suffer from a lack of oxygen. In fact, the mother's immune system sees the child as an enemy and tries to reject him. Thus, we become hostage to the situation. Therefore, in order to avoid deplorable situations, the mother must take tests to determine the titer, first at 18 weeks, then at 26 and 35 weeks.

The development of the fetus by ultrasound and Doppler studies is actively observed. Since the data obtained may indicate a violation of the work of blood vessels and oxygen starvation.

Rh-conflict during pregnancy: a table by blood group

There are many examples when doctors talked about Rh-conflict, but the pregnancies in women were going well, and there were no signs of a problem.

The table shows data on blood groups and the probability of conflict as a percentage.

As can be seen from the data, couples with 4 and 1 blood groups are most at risk. But don't jump to conclusions. This is just the opinion of scientists.

In fact, you can ideally go through the entire period without threatening the fetus. After all, to the end and with complete confidence it is impossible to say that your body will try to reject the "alien". To control antibodies, it is necessary to be tested and monitored by a doctor.

It is also impossible to predict with what Rh your baby will be born. With a 50% probability, he can have both a positive and a negative group.

Rhesus conflict - is there a danger

There is always a danger and it cannot be ruled out.

First, in order to reproduce new red blood cells, the baby's liver and spleen begin to work in an emergency mode. This leads to an increase in organs. As a result, hemoglobin decreases and occurs anemia. Oxygen starvation can lead to severe and irreversible brain changes.

Secondly, the baby has a so-called jaundice. This process occurs due to the high level of bilirubin in the blood. At low rates, it can pass on its own, but doctors prefer to play it safe, and after birth, put the baby "sunbathe" under the lamp. In more severe cases, medical therapy is prescribed in a hospital.

Mandatory doctor at 28 weeks pregnant is obliged to propose a procedure for the administration of immunoglobulin. The second injection is given after delivery within 72 hours. This is necessary in order for the second pregnancy to proceed without consequences. The drug is designed to stop the mother's antibodies that prevent the baby from developing properly inside the womb.

Features of pregnancy with Rh-conflict

Observation of a doctor and taking tests for titles is the main task of the expectant mother. There are no more special features for monitoring pregnancy as such.

There are no dietary restrictions... If you think it's best to only lean on foods for high hemoglobin, you are wrong. In this case, food does not affect the anemia in the fetus.

Remember, the caption value should not exceed 1: 4. If the value deviates by two points, then in this case you should not panic. The situation may still change. But in the case when the indicators go off scale, the doctor may decide to urgently operate.

Tell your doctor how you feel:

• pain in the abdomen;
• frequent or rare fetal movements;
• your blood pressure readings;
• headaches;
• nausea, etc.

Dopprel studies will also provide additional information. The doctor will examine the baby's internal organs, assess the vessels of the brain and make sure that he does not suffer from hypoxia. After 28 weeks, the study can be prescribed at a frequency of 1 time in 14 days.

In general, live and enjoy positive emotions and moments. Rh-conflict is not a sentence, and not an indicator for a couple to give up a little happiness.