What are the symptoms of Rhesus disease?
Rhesus disease itself does not have obvious symptoms during pregnancy, but it can lead to problems for the baby, which may show as:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Swelling of the baby’s body (edema)
- A low red blood cell count (anemia)
- Severe fatigue
What causes Rhesus disease?
Rhesus disease is caused by the incompatibility of blood types between the mother and baby. It usually occurs if the mother has Rh-negative blood and the baby has Rh-positive blood inherited from the father. During pregnancy or delivery, the mother’s blood may come into contact with the baby’s blood, leading to the mother’s immune system producing antibodies.
How common is Rhesus disease?
Rhesus disease is less common than it used to be due to better medical practices. It occurs in about 1 in 1,000 pregnancies in the UK, especially if the mother is Rh-negative and has not had the appropriate care during previous pregnancies.
Who is more likely to get Rhesus disease?
Some factors that may increase the risk of Rhesus disease include:
- The mother being Rh-negative and the father being Rh-positive
- A history of the mother having had a previous baby with rhesus disease
- Previous pregnancies where the mother may have formed antibodies
How can I treat Rhesus disease?
Rhesus disease can be treated and managed. Treatments may include:
- Injections of Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg) during pregnancy to help prevent antibodies from forming
- Monitoring the baby through ultrasound and blood tests
- Treatment after birth, if needed, to manage any complications
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What support is available for people with Rhesus disease?
Support for parents experiencing Rhesus disease includes:
- Regular check-ups and monitoring by healthcare providers during pregnancy
- Access to counselling and support groups for emotional support
- Information and resources about the condition and its management
Final thoughts
Rhesus disease can pose risks to unborn babies, but with proper care and treatment, many babies are born healthy. If you are pregnant and have concerns about rhesus disease, it is important to speak to your GP or healthcare provider.
