RHESUS BABY Meaning and
Definition
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A "rhesus baby" refers to an infant born to a mother who is Rh-negative and a father who is Rh-positive. Rh factor is a specific protein that can be present on the surface of red blood cells; individuals who have this protein are classified as Rh-positive and those who do not are Rh-negative. Rh incompatibility occurs when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby, leading to the potential for maternal antibodies to attack the fetus's red blood cells in subsequent pregnancies.
Rh incompatibility can result in a condition known as hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), or more commonly referred to as a rhesus baby. When an Rh-negative mother is exposed to the blood of her Rh-positive baby during childbirth, her immune system might produce antibodies that can cross the placenta in future pregnancies, attacking and destroying the red blood cells of any subsequent Rh-positive babies.
The consequences of HDN can range from mild to severe depending on the amount of destruction of the baby's red blood cells. Mild cases may have no apparent symptoms, while severe cases can lead to anemia, jaundice, organ damage, or even miscarriage or stillbirth.
To prevent the condition, Rh-negative mothers at risk will often receive a medication called Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg) to prevent the formation of antibodies against Rh-positive red blood cells. This treatment ensures the well-being of future Rh-positive babies by suppressing the mother's immune response and reducing the risk of HDN.
Common Misspellings for RHESUS BABY
- ehesus baby
- dhesus baby
- fhesus baby
- thesus baby
- 5hesus baby
- 4hesus baby
- rgesus baby
- rbesus baby
- rnesus baby
- rjesus baby
- ruesus baby
- ryesus baby
- rhwsus baby
- rhssus baby
- rhdsus baby
- rhrsus baby
- rh4sus baby
- rh3sus baby
- rheaus baby
- rhezus baby
Etymology of RHESUS BABY
The term "rhesus baby" is derived from the Greek word "Rhesus". In Greek mythology, Rhesus was a Thracian king who fought on the side of the Trojans in the Trojan War. He is mentioned in Homer's epic poem, the Iliad. The association between Rhesus and the term "rhesus baby" stems from the fact that this term is used to refer to a baby who has a specific blood type known as Rh factor. The Rh factor is a protein found on red blood cells, and individuals who have this factor are Rh positive, while those who lack it are Rh negative. The name "rhesus baby" was coined because the Rh factor was initially discovered in Rhesus monkeys, which are named after King Rhesus of Greek mythology.
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