[Submitted Question]

I am Rh negative while my husband is positive. My mother was in the same situation and had big problems because of it (three miscarriages). My doctor doesn't seem worried but I can't help worrying about it. How likely is it that my RH status will endanger this baby?

Frances T., Idaho

[WombToBloom]

In previous generations, Rh incompatibility was a very serious problem. In this day and age, however, doctors can now help prevent complications from Rh incompatibility and to treat any newborn affected by Rh disease.

To reduce any risk, an Rh negative pregnant woman receives injections of Rho (D) immune-globulin. Rh immune-globulin prevents the mother's body from producing potentially dangerous Rh antibodies that can cause serious complications in the newborn. The shots are given at about 28 weeks and immediately after delivery. Due to these developments and the injections, Rh negative women usually have safe Rh positive pregnancies.

If a doctor determines that a woman has already developed Rh antibodies, then he or she will closely monitor the levels throughout the pregnancy. If the incompatibility is extraordinary and severe, a series of special blood transfusions (called exchange transfusions) can be performed either while the baby is still in the uterus or after delivery. Very, very few exchange transfusions are necessary in the United States today.