040 68334455
WhatsApp
Patient Portal
Home Care
Rhesus Disease: Symptoms and Care
Rhesus Disease, also known as hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), is a condition that occurs when a pregnant woman's blood type is Rh-negative, and the fetus's blood type is Rh-positive.
The primary impact of Rhesus Disease on health is that it can lead to severe complications for the baby, including anemia, jaundice, and in severe cases, neurological damage or even death.
Symptoms of Rhesus Disease
Rhesus Disease, also known as hemolytic disease of the newborn, is a condition that occurs when a mother and baby have incompatible blood types. The symptoms of this condition typically manifest in the newborn and can range from mild to severe. It is essential for healthcare providers to monitor and manage this condition to prevent complications.
- Jaundice
- Anemia
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Swelling of the body
- Poor feeding or lethargy in infants
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionCauses of Rhesus Disease
Rhesus Disease, also known as hemolytic disease of the newborn, is mainly caused by the incompatibility of blood types between a pregnant woman and her baby. When a mother is Rh-negative and her baby is Rh-positive, the mother's immune system may produce antibodies that can harm the baby's red blood cells.
This can lead to various complications for the baby, such as anemia and jaundice. It is essential for healthcare providers to monitor and manage this condition during pregnancy to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby.
- Maternalfetal blood group incompatibility
- Previous exposure to Rhpositive blood
- Previous pregnancy with an Rhpositive fetus
- Blood transfusion with Rhpositive blood to an Rhnegative person
Types of Rhesus Disease
Rhesus Disease, also known as hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), can manifest in different forms depending on various factors. These forms may vary in severity and impact on the health of the newborn. Understanding the different types of Rhesus Disease is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Rhnegative Mother and Rhpositive Baby: Rhesus disease occurs when an Rhnegative mother is pregnant with an Rhpositive baby, leading to the mother's immune system attacking the baby's red blood cells.
- Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN): In severe cases of Rhesus disease, HDN can develop in the baby, causing jaundice, anemia, and potentially serious complications if left untreated.
- Rh Incompatibility during Pregnancy: When a mother's blood type is Rhnegative and the baby's blood type is Rhpositive, the risk of Rhesus disease and its associated complications increases during pregnancy.
- Rh Sensitization: Rh sensitization occurs when an Rhnegative individual's immune system produces antibodies against Rhpositive red blood cells, leading to potential complications during future pregnancies.
- Prevention and Treatment of Rhesus Disease: Early detection through blood tests during pregnancy, Rh immunoglobulin injections, and proper monitoring can help prevent and manage Rhesus disease, reducing the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby.
Risk Factors
Rhesus Disease, also known as hemolytic disease of the newborn, occurs when a mother and baby have incompatible blood types. This condition can lead to serious complications for the baby.
Understanding the risk factors associated with Rhesus Disease is crucial for early detection and management. By identifying these factors, healthcare providers can take necessary precautions to protect both the mother and the baby from potential harm.
- Rhnegative mother carrying Rhpositive baby
- Previous pregnancies with Rhpositive babies
- Previous blood transfusions with Rhpositive blood
- Invasive procedures during pregnancy that may cause mixing of maternal and fetal blood, such as amniocentesis
Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.
Schedule Your Appointment
Diagnosis of Rhesus Disease
Rhesus Disease is typically diagnosed through specific tests to detect antibodies in the mother's blood. These tests help determine if the mother's blood is sensitized to the Rh factor. Healthcare providers may also evaluate the baby's health through ultrasound scans and other diagnostic methods to monitor for any complications related to the disease. The diagnosis process is crucial in managing and treating Rhesus Disease to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
- Blood tests for Rh antibodies
- Amniocentesis
- Ultrasound scan for fetal anemia
- Cordocentesis (percutaneous umbilical blood sampling)
Treatment for Rhesus Disease
Treatment for Rhesus Disease typically involves monitoring the mother and baby closely during pregnancy. In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend treatments to manage complications or prevent issues related to the condition.
These treatments aim to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby throughout pregnancy and childbirth. It is important for pregnant individuals with Rhesus Disease to follow their healthcare provider's recommendations for the best possible outcome.
- Intrauterine Blood Transfusion (IUT): A procedure where blood is transfused into the baby's umbilical cord to treat severe cases of Rhesus Disease and prevent complications.
- AntiD Immunoglobulin Therapy: Administering Rh immunoglobulin to Rhnegative mothers to prevent sensitization during pregnancy and delivery, reducing the risk of hemolytic disease in future pregnancies.
- Monitoring and Management: Regular monitoring of the baby's condition through ultrasound, amniocentesis, and blood tests to detect and manage any signs of fetal anemia or hydrops.
- Early Delivery: In severe cases, early delivery may be recommended to prevent further complications and provide timely medical interventions for the baby.
- Neonatal Care: Providing specialized care for newborns with Rhesus Disease, including blood transfusions, phototherapy, and other treatments to manage any complications postbirth.
Still have questions? Speak with our experts now!
040-68334455Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rhesus Disease?
Rhesus Disease, also known as Rh disease, is a condition where a pregnant woman's immune system attacks the red blood cells of her baby if the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive.
How does Rhesus Disease affect pregnancy?
Rhesus Disease can lead to severe complications in the baby, including anemia, jaundice, and in severe cases, brain damage or even death if left untreated.
How is Rhesus Disease diagnosed?
Rhesus Disease can be diagnosed through blood tests to determine the mother's Rh factor and the presence of antibodies that may indicate a risk of the condition.
Can Rhesus Disease be prevented?
Rhesus Disease can be prevented by administering Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg) to Rh-negative mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth to prevent the development of antibodies.
What are the treatment options for Rhesus Disease?
Treatment for Rhesus Disease may involve close monitoring of the baby's health during pregnancy, blood transfusions for severe cases of anemia, and other interventions to manage complications.
Feeling unwell?
Request a callback!
