what is rhesus factor

The Rh factor, or Rhesus factor, is a protein found on the surface of red blood cells. It is an inherited protein, which means that you get your Rh factor from your biological parents. If your blood cells have the Rh protein, you are Rh positive, and if your blood cells lack the Rh protein, you are Rh negative. The Rh factor is important to determine in blood donations and transfusions because it is one of the proteins on red blood cells used to indicate whether the blood of two different people is compatible when mixed. If a person with Rh-positive blood receives Rh-negative blood, their body will produce anti-Rh antibodies, which can cause complications. During pregnancy, Rh factor incompatibility can occur if the mother is Rh-negative and the fetus is Rh-positive. In this case, the mothers body may recognize the Rh protein as a foreign substance and begin making antibodies against it, which can lead to serious health problems for the fetus or newborn. Knowing your Rh status is important during pregnancy because it can prevent potential complications.