Blood types and pregnancy

Blood types are classified based on certain proteins, or antigens, on red blood cells. The most important are ABO and Rh factor (positive or negative). During pregnancy, if a mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive, her immune system may produce antibodies against the baby's blood. This can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn, leading to health issues. To prevent this, Rh-negative pregnant women often receive an injection called Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg) to stop the development of these antibodies. Proper testing and management help ensure the health of both mother and baby.