Question

A newly married couple got their first daughter quite normal. But the mother was unable to deliver the second child because after conception and before parturition, the embryo got destroyed in the womb. The reason may be that

• A. Male and female have Rh${}^{+}$ve
• B. Male has Rh${}^{+}$ve and female Rh${}^{-}$ve
• C. Male has Rh${}^{-}$ve and female Rh${}^{+}$ve
• D. Both have Rh${}^{-}$ve

Answer 1

The correct option is B Male has Rh${}^{+}$ve and female Rh${}^{-}$ve

When a Rh${}^{-}$ mother is impregnated by a Rh${}^{+}$ father and is carrying a Rh${}^{+}$ baby, the fetus Rh antigens will be perceived as foreign invaders in mother's body. It can initiate the protective mechanism that can end up harming the child. During the first pregnancy, the antibodies are produced in lower concentration and do not harm the foetus. During second pregnancy with Rh${}^{+}$ baby, the concentration of antibodies against Rh factor will build up in the mother, which will attack the blood cells of the foetus and will cause its death (Erythroblastosis foetalis).

Thus, the correct answer is option B.