4. Rh Factor Testing
The surface of red blood cells contains Rh or Rhesus factor. This inherited protein does not occur in everyone, and those individuals that are “Rh-negative,” are not at risk of developing any adverse health conditions due to the lack of Rh.
However, studies suggest that Rh is vital for pregnant women and the development of the fetus in the womb. Rh-negative women require special care during the pregnancy to ensure that there are no complications with fetal growth and birth.
Receiving an Rh test on the first trip to the doctor or gynecologist is a vital step in checking the health of the new mother. In some cases, the doctor may not offer this test, and new mothers should find a doctor that can administer the blood draw and check for the presence of Rh proteins in the bloodstream.
Should the test show that the fetus and mother have incompatibility in their blood types, then doctors will need to monitor the mother closely during the pregnancy.