Question

What are the various obstetric procedures or complications which can result in mixture of fetal blood cells with mother's blood circulation and lead to *Rh sensitization*?

Answer 1

During pregnancy, the mother's immune system can be exposed to the baby's Rh-positive fetal red blood cells, which can lead to sensitization and the production of anti-Rh antibodies. If the mother becomes pregnant again with an Rh-positive baby, these antibodies can cross the placenta and destroy the fetal red blood cells, causing hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).

Step-by-step explanation:

During pregnancy, the mother's immune system can be exposed to the baby's Rh-positive (Rh*) fetal red blood cells, which can lead to sensitization. This exposure can occur during childbirth or immediately after. After sensitization, the mother's immune system generates anti-Rh antibodies. If the mother then becomes pregnant with another Rh-positive baby, these antibodies can cross the placenta and destroy the fetal red blood cells, causing a condition known as hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) or erythroblastosis fetalis.