The Rh Factor: How It Can Affect Your Pregnancy

The Rh factor is a protein that can be found on the surface of red blood cells. If your blood cells have this protein, you are Rh positive. If your blood cells do not have this protein, you are Rh negative. The "positive" or "negative" part of your blood type, such as O positive or A negative, refers to your Rh status.

During pregnancy, problems can occur if you are Rh negative and your fetus is Rh positive. Treatment can be given to prevent these problems.