Rhesus Factor Incompatibility in Marriage.
Rhesus Factor Incompatibility in Marriage
By Catherine Samfelix
Often times what we consider most in the choice of a life partner is always the genotype and blood group, the rhesus factor has always been overlooked which is not too healthy both for marriage and pregnancy.
Knowing the Rh factor can help couples prepare for potential complications not typically to avoid marriage and relationship completely.
The absolute knowledge of this and proper prenatal care treatment, the risks associated with Rh incompatibility can be managed and couples can have healthy pregnancy.
The Rhesus factor is a protein found on red blood cells. This protein can be found both in male or female. If an individual has the protein, they’re considered Rh-positive and if he/she doesn’t, it is considered Rh-negative. This factor can be important in marriage and family planning, most especially if Rh-negative woman is marrying Rh-positive man.
Coming to pregnancy, it’s important to know that if an Rh-negative carries an Rh-positive fetus, her immune system might react to the Rh-positive blood cells and develop antibodies. This can lead to complications in future pregnancies.
In a situation whereby the mother’s antibodies attack the Rh-positive red blood cells of the fetus, it can lead to anemia, jaundice and other complications in the baby.
However, couples can get tested for their Rh factor before marriage or during pregnancy to determine their compatibility. Also Rh-negative mothers can receive Rh immunoglobulin (Rhlg) injections during pregnancy and after delivery to prevent the formation of antibodies.
In conclusion , getting married and having children is always a personal decision and like genotype and blood group, Rhesus factor is also one of the factors to be considered.
