Rhesus-conflict in pregnancy - consequences for the child

As you know, this kind of pathological condition, such as Rh-conflict, which occurred during pregnancy, can have negative consequences for the child. It should be noted that such a violation is observed only if the mother has Rh-negative blood, and the baby's father is Rh-positive. The probability in such a situation of the onset of rhesus-conflict between mother and fetus is about 75%. Let's take a closer look at the main consequences of Rh-conflict between mother and child, and we will tell you what a newborn can develop in this case.

What is meant by the definition of "rhesus-conflict" in medicine and what happens in this case?

According to the physiological characteristics of pregnancy, during a certain period of fetal development the so-called placental blood flow is formed. It is through him and possibly the penetration of red blood cells from a future baby with a positive Rh factor, Rh-negative mom. As a result, in the body of a pregnant woman, antibodies are actively being developed, which are designed to destroy the baby's blood cells, tk. for mother they are alien.

As a result, the fetus increases the concentration of bilirubin, which can adversely affect his brain activity. At the same time there is an increase in the liver and spleen (hepatolienna syndrome), tk. these organs begin to work with a greater load, trying to compensate for the lack of red blood cells destroyed by the mother's immune system.

What are the consequences for the child of the Rhesus-conflict that occurred during pregnancy?

With this kind of violation in the body of the baby, there is an increase in the volume of the liquid. This affects the work of virtually all of its organs and systems. In most cases, after the appearance of the baby, antibodies that enter the body from the mother continue to function, which only aggravates the situation. As a result, a disorder such as hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) develops.

With such a violation, extensive edema of the baby's tissues develops. This can often occur, the so-called sweat fluid in the abdominal cavity, as well as a cavity around the heart and lungs. Such a violation is the most common of the consequences of Rh-conflict for the health of the child after his birth.

It is worth noting that often the Rhesus conflict ends in the fact that the baby dies still inside the mother's womb, i.e. The pregnancy ends with spontaneous abortion on a very short period.