Which of the Following Could Result in Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn

Question

Which of the following could result in hemolytic disease of the newborn?
A) Rh-negative mother and Rh-negative father
B) Rh-positive mother and Rh-positive father
C) Rh-positive mother and Rh-negative father
D) Rh-negative mother and Rh-positive father
E) either Rh-positive mother and Rh-negative father or Rh-negative mother and Rh-positive father

Accepted Answer

Hemolytic disease of the newborn can occur when an Rh-negative mother is sensitized to Rh-positive fetal blood during pregnancy or delivery. This can happen if the father is Rh-positive and the fetus inherits the Rh factor from the father. The mother's antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the fetal red blood cells, causing hemolysis and potentially leading to serious complications in the newborn.