1. Prenatal Care Is Important
During routine prenatal care, your doctor will test your blood type. Part of your blood type is determined by the appearance of a protein on your red blood cells. If you have this protein, you are said to be Rh positive. If you lack the protein, you are Rh negative. If you are Rh negative and your partner is positive, there is a possibility that your baby may be Rh positive. If any blood from the baby crosses into your bloodstream, you will become sensitized. This means that your immune system will create antibodies against these foreign red blood cells. This can affect the health of the baby.
2. Treatment With Rhogam Can Help
Fortunately, a medication called Rhogam is available for this condition. This medication is given in two doses to women who are at risk for becoming sensitized to their baby's red blood cells. Rhogam prevents your immune system from forming antibodies to the baby's red blood cells.
3. Subsequent Pregnancies May Be Affected
In most cases, the health of your first baby is unaffected if you become sensitized. If you are untreated, however, with each subsequent pregnancy, your immune system may respond more quickly to the baby's red blood cells. This translates into health problems for your baby. Health problems range from anemia, or low blood count, to damage to the neurological system. Keep good records of your medical history, and share these with the health care providers caring for you during each of your pregnancies. In most cases, good prenatal care can help keep your baby healthy.
4. Pregnancy Increases Your Risk of Blood Clots
Aside from blood disorders potentially affecting your baby, you also need to be mindful of your own health during pregnancy. The hormones involved in pregnancy increase your risk of experiencing a blood clot. Common sites of blood clots include the legs or lungs. A blood clot in the leg is referred to as deep venous thrombosis. A blood clot in the lungs is referred to as a pulmonary embolism. Familiarize yourself with symptoms of a blood clot, including pain and swelling in your leg, difficulty breathing and chest pain.
5. Keep Active to Reduce Your Risk
Regular physical activity can reduce your risk of a blood clot. Aside from keeping you at a healthy weight during your pregnancy, exercise can decrease your risk of a blood clot by preventing your blood from pooling in your legs. Most pregnant women are able to maintain regular exercise through most of their pregnancy with their doctor's permission. If your doctor advises bed rest during your pregnancy, speak to her about ways to reduce your risk of blood clots.
