Rh incompatibility

Alternative names:

hydrops fetalis; kernicterus; Rh-induced hemolytic disease of the newborn

Prevention:

Rh incompatibility is almost completely preventable. Rh negative mothers should be followed closely by their obstetricians during pregnancy. If the father of the infant is Rh positive, the mother is given a mid-term injection of RhoGAM and a second injection within a few days of delivery. These injections prevent the development of antibodies against Rh positive blood. This effectively prevents the condition.