Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn

Hemolytic disease of the newborn (also called erythroblastosis fetalis) is a serious condition that may occur when the blood types of a mother and her baby do not match. Substances (antibodies) in the mother's blood cross the placenta and may destroy the red blood cells of the fetus.

After birth, a baby with hemolytic disease may be treated with a blood transfusion.

Current as of: May 12, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Sarah A. Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics