Question

The disease erythroblastosis foetalis of human baby is due to

• A. Incompatibility of blood groups of the couple
• B. Incompatibility of blood groups of embryo and mother
• C. Maladjustment of Rh factor
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Maladjustment of Rh factor

The disease erythroblastosis fetalis of human baby occurs due to incompatibility or maladjustment of Rh factor. It occurs when a Rh⁺ father and Rh^-- conceive a baby. During the time of delivery, some of the blood cells from baby enter the mother's blood stream. The immune system of mother will the recognize the cells as foreign particles and produces antibodies against them. In the subsequent pregnancy with Rh⁺ baby, there are chances of Rh disease. The blood circulation of mother and baby is separated but still the antibodies of mother's body can cross the placenta and enter the blood stream of baby. The antibodies cause breakdown of RBCs of the baby leading to anaemia and ultimately death. So the problem does not arises at the time of birth of first child but in subsequent pregnancy, there is risk of erythroblastosis fetalis.

So, the correct answer is 'Maladjustment of Rh factor'.