Rh Factor

Rh factor is also a protein that can act as antigen. In the human gene pool there are only 2 phenotypes Rh positive – antigen is present and Rh negative – lack of the antigen. This trait is ancoded by one gene, allele for the lack of the Rh antigen is recessive. Rh^- individuals produce antibodies when red blood cells with the Rh antigen get into their blood system. It can dangerous when Rh^- mother is having Rh⁺ baby (father must be Rh⁺ then) and their blood gets in contact (normally baby’s antigens do not get into mother’s blood system). Exposure to antigen from leads to immunology reactions in mother’s body what can put a threat on the baby (for example contact with baby’s blood during childbirth causes antibody production and overcoming next Rh⁺ babies).