Zoology - Body Fluids and Circulation Question with Solution | TestHub

Rhesus factor, or Rh factor is a type of protein found on the surface membrane of RBC. This protein is genetically inherited where presence of protein is deemed as Rh+ and its absence as Rh-.

If a Rh- mother is impregnated with Rh+ father, there is a chance of Rh incompatibility as the baby will be Rh+. If the developing fetus is Rh+, the mother's blood will consider the Rh protein as foreign antigen and develop antibodies against it. Blood cells of mother will attack the baby as a defense mechanism which can be fatal. Such a condition resulting in death of baby is called erythroblastosis foetalis.