Answer
Hemolytic disease of the newborn is caused when an Rh-negative mother conceives an Rh-positive child (as a result of an Rh-positive father). If Rh-positive antigens leak across the placenta and into the mother’s bloodstream then the mother’s body will begin producing anti-Rh antibodies. In a later pregnancy with another Rh-positive baby the mother’s anti-Rh antibodies can cross the placenta and destroy the child’s red blood cells.
Work Step by Step
Hemolytic disease of the newborn is caused when an Rh-negative mother conceives an Rh-positive child (as a result of an Rh-positive father). If Rh-positive antigens leak across the placenta and into the mother’s bloodstream then the mother’s body will begin producing anti-Rh antibodies. In a later pregnancy with another Rh-positive baby the mother’s anti-Rh antibodies can cross the placenta and destroy the child’s red blood cells.
