Hemolytic disease is suspected in a mother's second baby, a son. Which of the following factors is important in understanding how this could develop?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hemolytic disease of the newborn can occur when an Rh-negative mother becomes sensitized to Rh-positive blood, often from a previous pregnancy with an Rh-positive child. If the mother's immune system produces antibodies against the Rh factor, these can cross the placenta and attack the red blood cells of an Rh-positive fetus in a subsequent pregnancy.

Hemolytic Disease Is Suspected in a Mother's Second Baby, a Son