Rhesus (Rh) factor is an inherited protein found on the surface of red blood cells. If your blood has the protein, you're Rh positive. If your blood lacks the protein, you're Rh negative.
Rh positive is the most common blood type. Having an Rh negative blood type is not an illness and usually does not affect your health. However, it can affect your pregnancy. Your pregnancy needs special care if you're Rh negative and your baby's father is Rh positive.
Your health care provider will recommend an Rh factor test during your first prenatal visit. This test will identify your blood type and whether your blood cells carry the Rh factor protein.
June 23, 2015
- Moise KJ. Management of pregnancy complicated by Rhesus (Rh) alloimmunization. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed June 3, 2015.
- Moise KJ. Overview of Rhesus (Rh) alloimmunization in pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed June 3, 2015.
- Moise KJ. Prevention of Rh (D) alloimmunization. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed June 3, 2015.
- Frequently asked questions. Pregnancy FAQ027. The Rh factor: How it can affect your pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/The-Rh-Factor-How-It-Can-Affect-Your-Pregnancy. Accessed June 3, 2015.
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