Hemolytic disease in newborns

Hemolytic disease happens when substances called antibodies in the mother's blood cause red blood cells in her baby's blood to be destroyed. This can occur when the blood types of a mother and her baby do not match.

All blood has something called an Rh antigen (or Rh factor). This is what makes a blood type positive or negative.

You may have Rh-negative blood and your baby has Rh-positive blood. If the two mix, your body will make antibodies. This is called Rh sensitization.

Some babies with hemolytic disease may need to be delivered early. A very sick baby may need blood transfusions before birth, while still inside the mother, or after birth. In severe cases, a doctor can give blood to the fetus through the mother's belly.

Some babies may need other care, such as:

• Extra oxygen. It is given to the baby through a tube in the nose or throat.
• Phototherapy. This uses a special kind of light to treat jaundice.
• Medicines and vitamins. These can help your baby make red blood cells.