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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffRhesus (Rh) factor is an inherited trait that refers to a specific protein found on the surface of red blood cells. If your blood has the protein, you're Rh positive — the most common Rh factor. If your blood lacks the protein, you're Rh negative. Although Rh factor doesn't affect your health, it can affect pregnancy. Your pregnancy needs special care if you're Rh negative and your baby's father is Rh positive.
If you're pregnant, your health care provider may recommend an Rh factor test during your first prenatal visit. The Rh factor test is a basic blood test used to determine if you're Rh positive or Rh negative. The Rh factor test doesn't carry any risks and requires no special preparation.
- Moise KJ. Management of Rhesus (Rh) alloimmunization in pregnancy. www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 8, 2010.
- Moise KJ. Pathogenesis and prenatal diagnosis of Rhesus (Rh) alloimmunization. www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 8, 2010.
- Moise KJ. Prevention of Rh (D) alloimmunization. www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 8, 2010.
- The Rh factor: How it can affect your pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp027.cfm. Accessed Jan. 19, 2010.
- Moise KJ. Management of rhesus alloimmunization in pregnancy. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2008;112:164.
- McInerny TK, ed. American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009:941.
- Gabbe SG, et al. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/179151994-3/941825473/1528/319.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06930-7..50032-3--cesec8_1443. Accessed Jan. 20, 2010.
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