During a second pregnancy,when is the Rh factor a problem?
A) When the mother is Rh- and the fetus is Rh+.
B) When the mother is Rh+ and the fetus is Rh-.
C) When the mother is Rh- and the fetus is Rh-.
D) When the mother is Rh+ and the fetus is Rh+.
E) When the mother and father are both Rh-.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During a second pregnancy, Rh factor can be a problem when the mother is Rh- and the fetus is Rh+. This is because if any of the fetus's Rh+ blood enters the mother's bloodstream during childbirth or pregnancy, the mother's immune system may produce antibodies against the Rh factor. These antibodies can then cross the placenta during a subsequent pregnancy and attack the Rh+ blood cells of the fetus, causing hemolytic disease of the newborn. This is not a problem in the other scenarios listed.

During a Second Pregnancy,when Is the Rh Factor a Problem