O36: Maternal care for other known or suspected fetal problems

O36.0: Maternal care for rhesus isoimmunization

Blood is made up of blood plasma and different blood cells. The blood cells include red blood cells. They carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. In red blood cells there are particular characteristics. These characteristics are used as the basis for differentiating between blood groups. For example, blood groups A, B, AB and O can be identified, as well as the Rhesus positive and Rhesus negative properties.

You are Rhesus negative. Your unborn child is Rhesus positive. When the mother is Rhesus negative and the unborn child is Rhesus positive, the maternal body can produce antibodies. The antibodies attack the child’s Rhesus positive red blood cells. In certain cases these antibodies can get to the child and damage its red blood cells. This can create problems for the child. Children in subsequent pregnancies can also be harmed by these antibodies. So particular care is required during the pregnancy.