Final answer:
Individuals with an Rh-negative blood type who carry an Rh-positive fetus are at risk for hemolytic disease of the newborn in subsequent pregnancies. This occurs when maternal antibodies attack fetal red blood cells, leading to anemia and potentially severe health issues. Preventive treatments with Rho(D) immune globulin can mitigate this risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Rhesus (Rh) blood group system is one of the major blood grouping systems and is significant in medicine, particularly in transfusions and prenatal care. If a woman who is Rh-negative (Rh-) is pregnant with an Rh-positive (Rh+) fetus, there is a risk of developing anti-Rh antibodies if fetal blood mixes with the mother's. This is usually not a problem during the first pregnancy with an Rh+ fetus because the levels of antibodies produced are not high enough to cause an immune reaction. However, in subsequent pregnancies, the mother's immune system can launch a stronger reaction against the Rh antigens of the Rh+ fetus, which can lead to HDN. HDN is a condition where fetal red blood cells are destroyed by maternal antibodies, causing anemia and possibly severe complications such as brain damage or even death.
For a couple with blood types O Rh- (woman) and AB Rh+ (man), their offspring could potentially be at risk for HDN. If the fetus inherits the Rh+ from the father, then it is possible that the mother will form antibodies against the fetus's red blood cells, although preventive care with Rho(D) immune globulin injections can greatly reduce this risk.This occurs when maternal antibodies attack fetal red blood cells, leading to anemia and potentially severe health issues. Preventive treatments with Rho(D) immune globulin can mitigate this risk.