Rh incompatibility

Rh incompatibility occurs when a pregnant woman with Rh-negative blood is carrying a baby with Rh-positive blood. The mother's immune system may see the baby's Rh-positive cells as foreign and produce antibodies against them. If these antibodies cross the placenta, they can attack the baby's red blood cells, leading to complications like anemia or jaundice. This condition is preventable with careful prenatal care, often using an injection called Rho(D) immune globulin, which stops the mother's immune response from developing. Early detection and treatment help protect the health of both mother and baby.