Can two Rh-positive parents have a child with Rh-negative blood?

Mar 28, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Heyang
Introduction
It is possible for both parents being Rh-positive to have an Rh-negative child, although the probability is very low. The Rh(-) gene is recessive; if both parents carry one positive gene, the Rh-negative trait will not be expressed and they will appear as Rh-positive. However, if by chance both parents pass on the negative gene to their child, the child will then express the Rh-negative phenotype.

It is possible for two Rh-positive parents to have an Rh-negative child, although the probability is very low.

The Rh(-) gene is recessive. Both parents may each carry one recessive Rh-negative gene along with a dominant Rh-positive gene, so they appear Rh-positive themselves. However, if by chance both parents pass the Rh-negative gene to their child, the child will be Rh-negative. Since the Rh-positive trait is dominant, individuals with Rh-positive blood can still carry the Rh-negative gene. Therefore, it is genetically possible for Rh-positive parents to have an Rh-negative child, which follows the principles of genetic inheritance and can be confirmed through blood typing and genetic testing. If both parents are Rh-positive and carry the Rh-positive gene, their children are highly likely to inherit the Rh-positive gene as well.

Additionally, if one parent is Rh-negative, their child may also be Rh-negative. In such cases, if the child inherits the Rh-negative gene, they will not be affected by Rh-positive antigens and will not experience Rh blood type incompatibility issues.