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Rh factor
One of the standard blood tests performed during the first weeks in pregnancy determines
the mother's Rh factor. the Rh factor is connected to the mother's
blood type.
Some people's blood contains a special protein called an Rh antigen. When this protein is present in blood, the
blood type is classified as positive (+). When the pretein is not there, the blood is
classified as negative (-).
Knowing the Rh factor of blood is really important for a pregnant mother. If the baby's
father is Rh positive and the baby's mother is Rh negative, the baby could inherit the
father's Rh positive blood. If this happens, the
antibodies (cells that fight infection) in
the mother's blood could attack the baby's blood. This could result in the baby's death.
Thankfully, the Rh negative mother can receive periodic shots of Rh immunoglobulin
(one brand of this serum is called
RhoGAM)
that temporarily immunizes the mother. If the
mother has any procedure such as
CVS,
amniocentesis, or
childbirth, where there is a risk of the mother's
and baby's bloods mixing, a shot of Rh immune globulin should be given.
To find out more about Rh sensitivity and Rh immunoglobulin, take a look at the
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and
March of Dimes.
Ritodrine
Ritodrine is used to control
preterm labor contractions
by relaxing the uterus. It can be taken as a pill or given as a shot. Usually
ritodrine pills are taken every 4 to 6 hours to control contractions.
If your doctor prescribes ritodrine, the drug may make you feel dizzy and tired. In addition, you may feel
nauseous. Here is a list of side effects:
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
- Sleeplessness
- Increased heart rate
- Higher blood pressure
- Difficult breathing
Using ritodrine by women with
diabetes,
heart disease,
hyperthyroid,
high blood pressure, or
migraines might make these medical problems worse. So, if you have any of these medical problems,
make sure your doctor knows before she gives you the drug.
[Source:
MedLine Plus.]
Rubella
One of the standard blood tests performed during the first weeks in pregnancy determines
whether the mother is immune to the Rubella (German measles) virus. The way a mother would be immune is if
she had the illness during childhood or was vaccinated before pregnancy.
If a woman has not had a Rubella immunization, it is best to have one at least
four weeks before becoming
pregnent. However, if a pregnant woman discovers that she is not immune to the Rubella virus, she should be very
careful to stay away from anyone with a possible case of Rubella. Rubella can cause
serious birth defects such as blindness, hearing loss, mental retardation, and even
cerebral palsy.
To find out more about Rubella, take a look at the
Medline Plus, and
March of Dimes.
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