Zoology - Body Fluids and Circulation Question with Solution | TestHub

Erythroblastosis foetalis: It is a case of Rh incompatibility (mismatching). If an Rh-ve pregnant mother is having a Rh+ve foetus, then Rh antigens of the foetus are not exposed to the Rh-ve blood of the mother in the first pregnancy because the two types of blood are well separated by the placenta. However, during the delivery of the first Rh+ve child, some amount of foetal blood is exposed to the maternal blood. In this condition, the mother starts preparing antibodies against Rh antigen in her blood. These antibodies from the mother (Rh-ve) can leak into the blood of the foetus (Rh+ve) during next Rh+ve pregnancies and destroy the foetal RBCs.

Symptoms: Severe anaemia, jaundice and even death. Prevention: Administration anti-Rh antibodies to the mother immediately after the delivery of the first child.