Erythroblastosis Fetalis: What It Is and Why It Happens

 

1. What is Erythroblastosis Fetalis?

A blood disorder in newborns caused by Rh incompatibility between mother and baby.

2. Why Does It Happen?

If the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive, the mother’s immune system sees the baby’s RBCs as foreign.

It produces antibodies that attack the baby’s red blood cells. 

3. Symptoms in the Baby

Anemia (low RBC count).

Jaundice (yellow skin).

Organ damage, heart failure, or even stillbirth, Swelling and difficulty breathing in severe cases.

4. Diagnosis and Treatment

Blood tests during pregnancy to check the mother’s Rh factor.

RhoGAM injection to prevent the mother’s immune response.

RhoGAM injection at 28 weeks and after birth to prevent antibodies from forming.

Ultrasound & Amniocentesis to check the baby’s condition.

The baby received a blood transfusion in the womb.

After birth, doctors used phototherapy and IV fluids to stabilize the baby.

5. Prevention: The Good News!

Modern medicine has made this condition largely preventable.

If detected early, simple injections can stop it from happening.

6. Conclusion: Awareness Saves Lives

Encourage routine prenatal care and knowing your blood type.

Read Previous topic : Blood: The Lifeline of our Body.