NEETZoologyBody Fluids and Circulation
How can erythroblastosis foetalis be avoided?
Options
- ABy matching the Rh group of the mother and the foetus.
- BBy avoiding exposure of the maternal blood to the Rh positive blood of the foetus.
- CBy administering anti-Rh antibodies to the mother immediately after the delivery of the first child.
- DBy avoiding subsequent pregnancies.
Correct answer
C. By administering anti-Rh antibodies to the mother immediately after the delivery of the first child.
Step-by-step solution
: Another antigen, the Rh antigen similar to one present in Rhesus monkeys (hence Rh), is also observed on the surface of RBCs of majority (nearly 80 per cent) of humans. Such individuals are called Rh positive (Rh+ve) and those in whom this antigen is absent are called Rh negative (Rh-ve). An Rh-ve person, if exposed to Rh+ve blood, will form specific antibodies against the Rh antigens. Therefore, Rh group should also be matched before transfusions. A special case of Rh incompatibility (mismatching) has been obser