BLOOD GROUP AND RH TYPING Results from a blood type test can show if you have the RH FACTOR.The Rh factor is a protein that can be present on the surface of red blood cells. Most people have the Rh factor—they are Rh positive. Others do not have the Rh factor—they are Rh negative. If your fetus is Rh positive and you are Rh negative, your body can make antibodies against the Rh factor. In a future pregnancy, these antibodies can damage the fetus’s red blood cells. Anti-D antibodies can be formed during a range of situations, including amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), external cephalic version (ECV), bleeding during the pregnancy, major abdominal trauma and late miscarriage. Haemolytic disease of the newborn in subsequent pregnancies, can be avoided by antenatal prophylaxis of commercial anti-D in the second and third trimesters, and post-natally. to be continued------dr nandini shete MD(ob/gyn)