Rhesus incompatibility
However, if blood cells from the baby mix with the mother’s blood cells (during delivery or a diagnostic test for example) then the mother’s blood may become ‘sensitized’.
This means that when the Rhesus factor enters the mother’s bloodstream, it acts as an antigen and stimulates production of antibodies that will work to attack and destroy the red blood cells of any Rhesus-positive baby she becomes pregnant with in the future.
If the father is Rhesus-negative as well as the mother, there is no risk to a baby of this happening as the baby will be Rhesus-negative. But, if the father is Rhesus-positive, this could be an issue and the woman’s blood will probably be monitored extremely closely as her pregnancy progresses.
If fetal bilirubin is detected in the amniotic fluid during a pregnancy, this indicates red blood cell destruction is taking place and further treatment may be necessary. In severe cases, an intra-uterine blood transfusion may be required.
Usually, after your first delivery, you will have been given an injection of ‘anti-D’, which works to protect you and your baby during future pregnancies. If you are concerned about any of these issues, you should discuss your concerns with your GP who will be able to look at your individual circumstances.
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Mothercare
ELC
