HomeAnswersObstetrics and GynecologypregnancyWhat is the importance of rhesus during pregnancy?

Is it necessary to get rhesus checked during pregnancy?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Uzma Arqam

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At March 19, 2019
Reviewed AtDecember 12, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

What is Rhesus? My wife is pregnant and started visiting clinic today.

Answered by Dr. Uzma Arqam

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

At first visit, the pregnant lady's blood group needs to be checked. There are many blood groups like A, B, O, AB and another thing which we need to know is rhesus positive or rhesus negative. So on the basis of rhesus, it is A+, A-, B+, B-, O+, O-, AB+, AB -. So, every blood group have rhesus classification like rhesus positive and rhesus negative. A positive and a negative. Rhesus has to be known as there is one issue of rhesus incompatibility. If both mother and father of the child are rhesus positive or both rhesus negative, then no issue. But, if mother is rhesus negative and father is rhesus positive and developing baby is rhesus positive, then mother can develop antibodies against fetal blood that can cause lysis of blood cells most likely in next pregnancy which can lead to anemic baby.

Rh negative mothers with Rh positive husbands need anti-D injections. They need to have twice at 28 and 32 weeks of gestation without any cause but in case of bleeding during pregnancy also need injection, after birth also. She must have a balanced diet, take folic acid tablets, maintain weight, and BMI. Check your blood group as well if wife is rhesus negative. She should have regular antenatal visits and in case of bleeding or pain report to gynecology emergency.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Uzma Arqam
Dr. Uzma Arqam

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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