Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn
Hemolytic disease of the newborn (also called erythroblastosis
fetalis) is a serious condition that may occur when the blood types of a mother
and her baby do not match. Substances (antibodies) in the mother's blood cross
the placenta and may destroy the red blood cells of the fetus.
After birth, a baby with hemolytic disease may be treated with a
blood transfusion.
Last Revised:
October 20, 2011
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & William Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine