RH Factor Genetics Explained - Why is RH- so rare?

Discover the fascinating world of Rh-negative blood and uncover what makes it so rare and unique. Learn how Rh-negative blood is inherited, why it’s less common globally, and how it can influence health, pregnancy, and even blood donations. Dive into the scientific breakdown of Rh genetics, explore its global distribution, and delve into theories about its origins—from evolutionary advantages to the intriguing possibility of ancient mysteries like the Anunnaki. Perfect for anyone curious about the science behind blood types or interested in the rare traits that shape human history and health.

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[darrellwhitman]

AB Rh-- When I was in the military, I was designated a "compulsive" donor, and on three occasions I was flown to a military hospital to donate blood for another AB Rh-- person. Of course, I was happy to do it and for many years after I voluntarily donated blood because it was so rare.

[anonahawkins]

The first time I went to donate blood (in the UK), they were really pleased as the Blood Transfusion Service had a request from a local hospital for 2 pints of B- for an operation. It turned out that I was B- and I was the 3rd person that day, so they had a spare pint in case of unforeseen problems! Wow! It certainly made me think.

[dianaclaiborne]

I am O negative. Both parents are descended from Norwegian viking settlers in both France (Normandy) and West Scotland lowlands. We have been in America for 400 years.

[sharonallisonbrisbin]

I'm RH negative was given a shot to save my baby, I went on to have a 2nd baby

[annaCMW]

I'm O+, my husband A+, our parents are all +. Our eldest daughter is A+, but the youngest is A-. She's proud to be an alien! Could also be a memory of the Neanderthals... (we are Swedes). She has 2 children and got excellent care during pregnancy, birth and after. Both babies are +, like their dad. She has "educated" medical students, nurses and midwives. One of the professors at the University asked her to be his "model mum" so to speak. Super cool and she was happy to help. So me and my husband both have Rh - genes? Genetics, wow.

[Nature_guurrll]

Rh - here. Caused a ton of problems with my 3rd child bc I became Rh sensitized & he had to be taken 7 weeks early & had 2 blood transfusions after his birth . It was really scary.

[libbyt]

Thanks for the basic genetics lesson. It can be so much more complicated where there is more than one set of genes so this is a great example.

[kltnrjnnfr]

O-RH- weird fact for me not sure of others but I have been bitten twice by a brown recluse spider and because of that lack of the D antigen I am unaffected by its bite.

[personofearth]

The one thing I notice on these comment sections in regards to Rh negative blood is that none of us Rh negs fight about anything.

[Denise]

The most detailed and simplified explanation, and I’ve seen so many! My grandfather was rh- and some of my aunts. My mom has not been tested.

[maryannedaugherty]

As a Labor and Delivery nurse in the 1960s, 2nd babies Rh+, born to Rh- mothers, often had to receive total blood replacement due to antibodies developed by the mothers during the 1st pregnancy. Rhogam was a God-send within the next decade.

[punkw]

I am Rh- & both of my children are Rh+.
I’ve often wondered how many times in history the infants who didn’t survive or weren’t born alive was attributed to Rh factor incompatibility.
I did the Rhogam injections each time. My son (2nd born) wouldn’t be alive if he was born before we understood blood had this other component.
How many ‘other things’ are going on that we will one day understand baffles my mind.

[marcietaylor-zr]

I was born in 1979 my mother was rh- and I was taken early due to her beginning could be yours too to her immune response. The first 48 hours after c section I had 2 total blood transfusion resulting in only the 2 baby to have lived after this procedure. I really find this topic quite fascinating.

[marthafrancisco]

I'm rh -, so was my father. My 4 siblings are all rh+. I had 4 children with my rh + ex-husband, so thankful for rhogam. My 3 girls are all rh +, my son rh-. I used to joke how the vampires (blood banks) were always calling me to donate, which i did as often as i could, because i am not onky rh-, but 0-, the tyoe they always need.

[carrie]

I'm A Rh Neg. Scottish with 3/4 Grandparents, Irish. 4th one Scottish.
My DNA reveals I have a few Greek and South Italian matches.

[debbie]

When I was studying to be a Med Tech I was asked to donate some blood in my immunohematology class. That was in 1978. I tested B rH null. The doctors that were my instructors told me not to let anyone know. They wete afraid for me thinking the government would want me as a guinea pig. I can take no blood or blood products nor have a transplant.

[Arty_Az]

I'm A- and my son is postive, I was super glad that he has a more common blood type, at least I know if something goes wrong and he needs blood he has a better chance than me. We are in NZ so a smaller blood group of 5 million.

[DM-fdng]

My mother and father were both Rh- A and so was I. My daughter is also Rh- A.

[leilasiikonen]

Rh negative here.
My both parents are Rh positive and as far as I know so were their parents too. My whole family (both sides, maternal and paternal) originates from Finland at least the last eight generations, which in our case is a very long time. I know here in Finland people are also very genetically similar in different areas (mean west and east for example) because our communities were very closed a long time, so genetical pool left very narrow. But back in the blood types - One of my five kids is Rh negative, the other four are Rh positive. My blood is rarest, less than 1% in Finnish population have that blood type and I think that blood type really has something to do with the fact it's very rare to me to get sick and if I do it's really bad. Last I was sick was 11 yrs ago and before that it was in the year 1994. I also naturally have very low body temperature and blood pressure. I have an outdoor job and just yesterday spent eight hours outdoors in -13'C temperature without serious need to get indoors at all, no matter I always feel a little cold even in the summer.
I don't know is it some trait for AB negatives or what but I gladly would like to discuss about that with other Rh negatives.

[peetschabort]

I am Rh O+ and my late wife was Rh O-. Before marriage (1966) we were aware of what could happen and advised that the third child most probably could be a "blue baby" but an injection (which she took) will solve the problem.
1. First baby (1967) was born premature and died the same day. 2. Second baby (1968) was born without complications.
3.Injection before the third baby was taken. 4. Third baby (1970) was born without complications.
Yes, any time, day or night, she was phoned by the local hospital for blood!! What impressed me the most is that this 'clash' of blood types was known 60 years ago and could be fixed. Our families are in South Africa for about 320 years. Both of us are offspring of Dutch, German and French.