Rhesus Blood Grouping Explained
Your Pregnancy
|June/July 2021
OUR EXPERT
Q Please can you explain the Rhesus factor to me. I am expecting my second child, and I’ve heard it can be an issue this time around. Will I be tested as routine, or do I have to ask specifically? And how will the doctor know what my husband’s status is, or doesn’t that matter? I find the whole thing quite confusing.
A DR KOLL ANSWERS: The Rhesus antigen is one of many in our blood.
The other well-known antigens are the A and B antigens. We inherit these antigens from our parents. If you inherited the A antigen from one of your parents, your blood group will be A. Similarly, if you inherited a B antigen, you will be group B. If you inherited both A and B, you will be group AB, and if you inherited neither A nor B, your blood group will be Group O.
The Rhesus antigen is known as big D. If you inherited a D antigen from either one or from both your parents, you will be Rhesus positive. If you did not inherit the D antigen from either of your parents, you will be Rhesus negative.
This story is from the June/July 2021 edition of Your Pregnancy.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Your Pregnancy
Your Pregnancy
COVID & your child
Symptoms, treatment, vaccines and a rare condition called MIS-C is on our minds when it comes to The Virus these days.
7 mins
December 2021/January 2022
Your Pregnancy
EYES WIDE OPEN!
Breastfeeding and night wakings? Experts shine a light on a possible connection.
4 mins
December 2021/January 2022
Your Pregnancy
RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!
It happens, even with the best of intentions. Sometimes we go overboard trying to show our love – and then things backfire.
7 mins
December 2021/January 2022
Your Pregnancy
Prioritise REST!
The fatigue of pregnancy serves to remind you exactly what miracle your body is performing, so it’s essential to listen to it. Here’s what you can do to get through these low times.
4 mins
December 2021/January 2022
Your Pregnancy
CRYING CLUES
Discover the meaning behind your baby’s cries.
5 mins
December 2021/January 2022
Your Pregnancy
Pushing isn't all you need to do!
There are four main factors that affect the length and intensity of labour. They are known as the four P’s and work together to make each woman’s labour unique.
3 mins
December 2021/January 2022
Your Pregnancy
We're all NERVOUS about it!
Sure, it can seem scarier than labour, but with these simple tips to bathing your newborn, you’ll soon be a pro.
4 mins
December 2021/January 2022
Your Pregnancy
FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS
Your children and your pets – everything you’ll need to know to be a happy family.
5 mins
December 2021/January 2022
Your Pregnancy
Here's to HAPPIER beach days!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
5 mins
December 2021/January 2022
Your Pregnancy
TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!
Feel like your child just doesn’t listen to you? There are some techniques you can use to improve your chances of getting through.
4 mins
December 2021/January 2022
Translate
Change font size

