Babies can also experience a condition known as hydrops fetalis , where fluid starts to accumulate in spaces where fluid is normally not present. This includes spaces in the: abdomen heart lungs This symptom can be harmful because the extra fluid places pressure on the heart and affects its ability to pump.
What causes erythroblastosis fetalis? There are two main causes of erythroblastosis fetalis: Rh incompatibility and ABO incompatibility. Both causes are associated with blood type. Antigens are substances that trigger an immune response in your body. Rh incompatibility Rh incompatibility occurs when a Rh-negative mother is impregnated by a Rh-positive father.
The result can be a Rh-positive baby. However, when the Rh-positive child is born, your body will create antibodies against the Rh factor. These antibodies will attack the blood cells if you ever become pregnant with another Rh-positive baby. This condition is almost always less harmful or threatening to the baby than Rh incompatibility. However, babies can carry rare antigens that can put them at risk for erythroblastosis fetalis. How is erythroblastosis fetalis diagnosed?
To diagnose erythroblastosis fetalis, a doctor will order a routine blood test during your first prenatal visit. The test will also help them determine whether you have anti-Rh antibodies in your blood from a previous pregnancy. Frequency of testing If initial testing shows your baby may be at risk for erythroblastosis fetalis, your blood will be continually tested for antibodies throughout your pregnancy — approximately every two to four weeks. However, these symptoms are generally much milder than a Rh incompatibility.
Most people are Rh-positive; they have Rh factor. Rh-negative people don't have it. Rh factor is inherited through genes. When you're pregnant , blood from your baby can cross into your bloodstream, especially during delivery. If you're Rh-negative and your baby is Rh-positive, your body will react to the baby's blood as a foreign substance.
It will create antibodies proteins against the baby's blood. These antibodies usually don't cause problems during a first pregnancy. But Rh incompatibility may cause problems in later pregnancies, if the baby is Rh-positive. This is because the antibodies stay in your body once they have formed. The antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the baby's red blood cells. Coronavirus Resource Center. Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience.
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