Rh Reaction
The Rh (rhesus) reaction, also known as the Rh incompatibility, is a medical condition in which an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus. This causes the mother’s immune system to produce antibodies against the fetus’ Rh-positive blood cells, leading to a range of potential complications during pregnancy, including anemia, jaundice, and even fetal death (Hall, 2020).
The Rh reaction was discovered in 1940 by Karl Landsteiner, who observed that when a pregnant woman was exposed to Rh-positive blood cells from a previous pregnancy, her immune system would produce antibodies to the Rh-positive cells. Landsteiner’s discovery was a major breakthrough in the understanding of antenatal care and helped to reduce the incidence of Rh-related complications in newborns (Hall, 2020).
The Rh reaction can be prevented through the use of Rh immune globulin, a medication that is given to Rh-negative mothers who are carrying Rh-positive fetuses. This medication helps to prevent the mother’s body from producing antibodies to the fetus’s Rh-positive blood cells, reducing the likelihood of Rh-related complications during pregnancy (Hall, 2020).
In addition to Rh immune globulin, Rh-negative mothers can also take certain steps to reduce their risk of developing Rh-related complications during pregnancy. For example, they should avoid receiving blood transfusions from Rh-positive donors, and they should also ensure that their Rh-negative blood type is accurately recorded on their medical records (Hall, 2020).
The Rh reaction is an important medical condition to monitor during pregnancy. It can lead to a range of potentially serious complications, but it can be prevented through the use of Rh immune globulin and other precautions. Understanding the Rh reaction is essential for providing safe and effective antenatal care.
References
Hall, J. E. (2020). Guyton and Hall textbook of medical physiology (14th ed.). Elsevier.