T O P I C R E V I E W
HarlemQueen212
Member # 7842
posted 04-16-2002 04:20 AM
Hello. I am using my girlfriends ID. I wanted to know because she is RH+ what does that mean? I mean the doctor tried to explain it to me but I never got it. He said something about my kids blood and and hers are not compatible. So what does that mean? What kinda of meds do they usually put women on for these kind of things??
Aria51
Member # 653
posted 04-16-2002 08:43 AM
Women who are RH-negative sometimes will have problems with their blood not being compatible with the blood of the fetus, but I have never heard of RH-positive mothers having any problems. RH factor is, in a very simplified nutshell, what they are talking about when they say you have A-positive blood as opposed to A-negative blood type.
I will look up more information about a mother's RH factor and get back to you.
In the mean time, please do not use your girlfriend's account to ask a question. Accounts here at Scarleteen are free, and we do not approve of account-sharing.
ErinK
Member # 1371
posted 04-16-2002 08:57 AM
Here's some links to get you started on learning more about Rh factors: http://www.childrens.com/healthinfo/Display.cfm?ID=1152&main=1121 http://www.smartmoms.org/prenatal-tests/test8.html Here's a quote from the second article that will probably answer your question:
quote: Just as there are different major blood groups, such as A and B type blood, there is also an Rh factor--a type of protein on the red blood cells. Most people have the Rh factor and are said to be Rh positive. Others do not have the Rh factor and are thus Rh negative. Today, a simple lab test quickly determines whether you are Rh positive or Rh negative. The Rh factor does not affect a person's general health. It can cause problems during pregnancy, however. Now, with the use of a special drug, these problems can almost always be prevented.
The Rh factor causes problems when an Rh-negative person's blood (without Rh factors) comes in contact with Rh-positive blood (with Rh factor). The person with Rh-negative blood may then become sensitized. This means he or she produces antibodies to fight the Rh factor as if it were a harmful substance. Sensitization can occur if an Rh-negative woman becomes pregnant with an Rh-positive fetus. An Rh-negative mother and an Rh-positive father can conceive an Rh-positive child. The Rh-negative woman's body may produce antibodies that then attack the fetal Rh-positive red blood cells.
Hope this helps.
erin