As a woman, nothing will rock your world quite like staring at double lines on an at-home pregnancy test. Finding out you’re pregnant when you didn’t plan to be can bring a rush of emotions, questions, and decisions. If you’re considering abortion, it’s essential to know that your health is the top priority. Being Rh-negative could significantly impact your health and future pregnancies.  But what is the Rh Factor, and why is it critical to know before making pregnancy decisions? Here are three vital things about the Rh factor.

#1. What Is the Rh Factor and Why It’s Important

The Rh factor is a protein found in red blood cells and is critical to pregnancy health. You are either Rh-positive (you have the protein) or Rh-negative (you don’t). While 85% of people are Rh-positive, if you’re among the 15-17% who are Rh-negative, it could present complications if your blood mixes with Rh-positive blood, particularly during pregnancy.

If your baby’s blood type is Rh-positive and yours is Rh-negative, your body may recognize the baby’s blood as foreign, triggering an immune response. While this response doesn’t typically affect a first pregnancy, it can cause severe complications in future pregnancies, including a condition known as hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). Understanding your Rh status is critical before undergoing any procedure, including abortion. Protecting your health today means protecting your future pregnancies as well.

#2. Testing for the Rh Factor Before an Abortion is Essential

If you’re Rh-negative and considering an abortion, it’s essential to be tested for your Rh status. If you are Rh-negative, you may require an Rh immunoglobulin injection, commonly known as RhoGam, to prevent complications to your  future health and well- being. Without this injection, your body may develop antibodies that could attack an Rh-positive baby’s red blood cells in subsequent pregnancies, leading to dangerous complications like severe anemia, jaundice, or even miscarriage.

RhoGam is usually administered around the 28th week of pregnancy or immediately after childbirth if the baby is Rh-positive. However, if you’re considering an abortion, getting the shot post-procedure could protect you from these future complications. Without this protection, your body may produce antibodies that could affect your ability to have a healthy pregnancy later on.

#3. Impact on Your Future Health and Pregnancy

You may not think about having children right now, but your future health is always important. If you’re Rh-negative and don’t get the RhoGam shot after an abortion, your body may create antibodies that could cause serious complications during any future pregnancies. The antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the red blood cells of an Rh-positive baby, causing life-threatening conditions like brain damage, severe anemia, or even death.

Being informed about the Rh factor and ensuring you get the proper treatment today safeguards your future health and fertility. It’s not just about deciding for today—it’s about making the best decision for tomorrow and all your future possibilities.

You Deserve to Be Informed and Supported

Deciding what’s next can be overwhelming, but you are not alone. Knowing your Rh status is critical to understanding your health as you consider your options. Amnion Women's Center has professional and compassionate staff who can offer clear guidance at every step. 

Schedule an appointment today to talk with Amnion Women's Center and take the first step to ensure your health is fully protected, no matter your choice.