What is Rh Factor? The Rh factor refers to a specific protein found on the surface of red blood cells. If your blood cells have this protein, you are considered Rh-positive. If you do not have the protein, you are Rh-negative. While the Rh factor does not usually affect your health, it becomes crucial during pregnancy because of the potential incompatibility between the mother's and baby’s blood types. If an Rh-negative mother is carrying an Rh-positive baby (inherited from the father), her body may recognize the baby’s Rh-positive blood cells as foreign and produce antibodies to fight them off. This is known as Rh sensitization, and while it doesn’t typically affect the first pregnancy, it can have serious consequences in future pregnancies. These include hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), which can cause severe anemia, jaundice, and even stillbirth in subsequent pregnancies if left untreated. How Does the Anti-D Injection Work? The Anti-D injection prevents Rh sens...