Question

In which of the following there is a risk factor for children acquiring erythroblastosis foetalis?

• A. Mother is Rh negative and father is Rh negative
• B. Mother is Rh negative and father is Rh positive
• C. Mother is Rh positive and father is Rh negative
• D. Mother is Rh positive and father is Rh positive

Answer 1

The correct option is B Mother is Rh negative and father is Rh positive

If Rh antigen is observed on the surface of the red blood cells, then, these individuals are said to be Rh positive. If Rh antigens are absent, then such individuals are said to be Rh negative. If the father of the child is Rh positive and the mother is Rh negative, then, there is a good chance that the child also becomes Rh positive. There is a chance of exposure of the mother's blood to the child’s blood during delivery. If the child is Rh positive and contains Rh antigens, then the Rh negative mother will start developing antibodies against these antigens. This will not affect the first-born child. In the subsequent pregnancies, the antibodies against the Rh antigen present in the mother’s blood will destroy the red blood cells of the Rh positive foetus. This condition, which is known as erythroblastosis foetalis, could be fatal to the child or it may cause other dangerous conditions like jaundice or anaemia in the child.