Erythroblastosis Fetalis, Photomicrograph

Antibodies from an Rh negative mother may enter the blood stream of her unborn Rh positive infant, damaging the red blood cells (RBCs). The infant responds by increasing RBC production and sending out immature RBCs that still have nuclei. This photograph shows normal RBCs, damaged RBCs, and immature RBCs that still contain nuclei.

Intrauterine Transfusion

Erythroblastosis fetalis is a condition manifested by anemia that develops in an unborn infant when maternal antibodies, usually caused by Rh incompatibility between the mother's blood type and that of the fetus, attack the red blood cells of the fetus. An intrauterine transfusion of blood may be indicated.

Antibodies

Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.