The hemolytic condition occurs when there is an incompatibility between the blood types of the mother and fetus. There is also potential incompatibility if the mother is Rh negative and the father is positive. When any incompatibility is detected, the mother often receives an injection at 28 weeks gestation and at birth to avoid the development of antibodies towards the fetus. These terms do not indicate which specific antigen-antibody incompatibility is implicated. The disorder in the fetus due to Rh D incompatibility is known as erythroblastosis fetalis. Hemolytic comes from two words: “hema” (blood) and “lysis” (solution) or breaking down of red blood cells Erythroblastosis refers to the making of immature red blood cells Fetalis refers to the fetus. When the condition is caused … Continue reading Hemolytic disease of the newborn