Rh Sensitization: Mother Rh+ve & Child Rh-ve

  • Thread starter Suraj M
  • Start date
In summary: The Rh- antigen of the mother does enter into the baby's blood stream, but it's not likely to cause a problem.
  • #1
Suraj M
Gold Member
597
39
A problem arises when the mother is Rh-ve and the child is Rh+ve ,
consider a mother Rh+ve and the child Rh-ve, after birth, if the child is given Rh+ve blood, will the baby just get sensitized or will a reaction take place in the first transfusion itself as the baby was sensitized in the womb itself?
Also when an Rh-ve individual gets sensitized, how long to the Rh antibodies last?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
Rh antibodies, once produced last forever.

A baby only has access to the mom through placenta, so, there is no risk because the placenta only has baby's blood. The only minute circumstance that it could happen is if the baby is injured during the birth process and has an open wound that could be exposed to mom's blood. Even then it would be unlikely.
 
  • #3
Is the probability of loosing the second baby the same, if the mother is Rh-ve and baby is Rh+ve ... because for that to happen the blood of the mother and baby should mix too, but i have heard that antibodies can be transmitted from the mother to the baby(through the placenta), but not all antibodies, is Rh antibody, one of them?
Thanks for all your replies(not just here), physics student20 :smile:
 
  • #4
Rh antibodies don't get transmitted from the mother to the baby through placenta if what I feel..
You are welcome :smile:
 
  • #5
PhyStudent20 said:
Rh antibodies don't get transmitted from the mother to the baby through placenta if what I feel..
actually Rh antibodies do get transmitted from the mother to the baby, that is the basis for erythroblastosis fetalis, it does happen, through the placenta.
But if the mother has Rh antigen and the baby Rh-ve , will the baby get sensitized?
PhyStudent20 said:
Even then it would be unlikely.
microhemorrhages are quite common..but do the Rh antigen(RBC) of the mother enter into the blood stream of the baby or not?
 

1. What is Rh sensitization and how does it occur?

Rh sensitization is a condition in which a mother who is Rh positive (Rh+) carries a child who is Rh negative (Rh-). It occurs when the mother's immune system produces antibodies against the Rh factor, a protein found on the surface of red blood cells. This can happen during pregnancy or delivery, when the mother's and baby's blood come into contact.

2. What are the risks associated with Rh sensitization?

Rh sensitization can lead to complications in future pregnancies if the mother carries another Rh- child. The mother's antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the baby's red blood cells, causing anemia, jaundice, or even miscarriage or stillbirth.

3. How is Rh sensitization diagnosed?

Rh sensitization can be diagnosed through a blood test that checks for the presence of Rh antibodies in the mother's blood. This test is usually done during the first prenatal visit and again during the third trimester.

4. Can Rh sensitization be prevented?

Yes, Rh sensitization can be prevented by administering a medication called Rh immune globulin (RhIg) to the mother during pregnancy or within 72 hours after delivery. This medication helps prevent the mother's immune system from producing antibodies against the Rh factor.

5. How is Rh sensitization treated?

If Rh sensitization does occur, the baby may need to be monitored closely during pregnancy and may require treatment after birth, such as blood transfusions or other medical interventions. In severe cases, early delivery may be necessary to avoid complications.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
2
Views
15K
  • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
23
Views
6K
Replies
16
Views
2K
Back
Top