When the fetus is growing in the uterus, it depends upon its mother for blood supply and nourishment. The blood cells of the fetus can go in to the blood stream of mother and similarly the blood cells of mother can go into the blood stream of the fetus. Therefore, it is necessary that they are compatible to each other. If this is not the case then serious problems can arise. Rh incompatibility (erythroblastosis fetalis) is the one such type of case.
Rh incompatibility (erythroblastosis fetalis) is the case when the red blood cells of the fetus enter the mother’s blood stream. If the methods blood group is opposite i.e. Rh +ve or -ve compared to the fetus then the mother’s immune system will produce antibodies against it. It will treat the cells of the fetus as foreign substances. Therefore, the antibodies will start destroying the RBCs of the fetus. These antibodies enter the fetus through the placenta.
The Rh incompatibility (erythroblastosis fetalis) mainly occurs in methods that have RhD negative group. However, it is quite uncommon in the world.
Commonly the symptoms as enlargement of the spleen, liver or heart are developed. In addition, fluid buildup in the abdomen of the fetus is a sign of Rh incompatibility (erythroblastosis fetalis). The effects and their seriousness differ from case to case.
However, medications are available which can help to prevent as well as cure Rh incompatibility (erythroblastosis fetalis).