Can someone explain RH factor?

How does this affect pregnancy? My dr. tested me for it but I didnt really understand what it has to do with pregnancy. I know its something like if you're - it could be bad because it will see your baby as a foreign object and try to fight it off? Please explain

Re: Can someone explain RH factor?

If mom is Rh- and dad is Rh+, then that means that baby could be Rh+, no way to know for sure while in utero.

If the + blood mixes with mom's - blood, then mom could form antibodies against the Rh+. Antibodies in the future could attack all future Rh+ babies.

Now, this is why mom get Rhogam. It tricks the body into thinking that it has already made the antibodies against the Rh+ blood and therefore will not. All future Rh+ babies will be safe.

You get Rhogam anytime that the bloods could mix. During losses, procedures, sometime in the late 2nd trimester, and after delivery if necessary.

Does that make sense?
HTH