The Rh-negative blood type is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage if the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive.
Rh Factor and Pregnancy
The Rh factor is a protein on red blood cells. People who have the protein are Rh-positive; those who don't are Rh-negative. The Rh factor only becomes an issue during pregnancy when the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive (inherited from the Rh-positive father).
Rh Incompatibility and Miscarriage Risk
If an Rh-negative mother is carrying an Rh-positive baby, her body may develop antibodies against the baby's red blood cells. This is called Rh incompatibility. This usually isn't a problem during the first pregnancy because the mother hasn't yet developed antibodies. However, in subsequent pregnancies with Rh-positive babies, these antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the baby's red blood cells, leading to:
- Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN): This condition can cause anemia, jaundice, brain damage, heart failure, and even death in the baby.
- Increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth: The attack on the baby's red blood cells can be severe enough to cause pregnancy loss, particularly in the second or third trimester.
Prevention of Rh Incompatibility Problems
Fortunately, Rh incompatibility is preventable with a medication called RhoGAM (Rh immunoglobulin). RhoGAM is given to Rh-negative mothers around 28 weeks of pregnancy and again within 72 hours after delivery if the baby is Rh-positive. It's also given after any event that could cause fetal blood to enter the mother's bloodstream, such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or amniocentesis.
RhoGAM works by preventing the mother's body from developing Rh antibodies. This protects future Rh-positive babies from being attacked by the mother's immune system.
Conclusion
While the Rh-negative blood type itself doesn't directly cause miscarriages, the potential incompatibility between an Rh-negative mother and an Rh-positive fetus can increase the risk. Modern medical interventions, such as RhoGAM, have significantly reduced this risk.
