ABO hemolytic disease is caused by mismatched blood types between mother and baby, and it is a condition that may be encountered during pregnancy. Typically, pregnant women do not need to specifically screen for ABO hemolysis during standard prenatal check-ups. However, if the fetus is known to be Rh-negative or has type A or B blood, doctors may recommend more detailed prenatal examinations that include RH blood type and Down syndrome screening.
Considering Rh blood type is particularly important. When a pregnant woman is Rh-positive and there is a multiple pregnancy situation, understanding the partner’s blood type becomes crucial, especially to confirm whether both are Rh-positive. The first recorded case of ABO system neonatal hemolysis occurred after an Rh-negative mother gave birth to an Rh-positive baby, attributed to the mother’s initial immune response to Rh-positive red blood cells. Although the risk of secondary hemolysis is relatively reduced, this may be related to the initial large production of antibodies; pregnant women considering the risk of hemolysis in a second child should complete Rh blood type-related tests in advance.
In addition to Rh blood type, attention should also be paid to the presence of anti-D antibodies in the pregnant woman’s body, especially for Rh-negative women, who will produce IgG antibodies to protect future newborns from the effects of Rh-positive blood after giving birth to an Rh-positive baby. However, during subsequent pregnancies, the antibody levels significantly decline, indicating a reduced probability of hemolysis in later pregnancies.
Down syndrome screening is another important aspect, aimed at determining specific biomarkers through maternal blood samples to assess the risk of the fetus having Down syndrome.
Ultrasound examinations can help monitor fetal development, such as measuring biparietal diameter, head circumference, etc., to identify potential malformation issues.
Additionally, a series of tests such as the five prenatal screening tests, rubella virus, toxoplasmosis, and herpes virus infection screening, all serve to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
Overall, following medical advice to complete standard prenatal examination procedures is generally sufficient, unless specific symptoms arise that require timely medical intervention.
