What is a significant consequence of Rh incompatibility?

Rh incompatibility can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), which is a serious condition that occurs when there is an incompatibility between the blood types of the mother and the fetus. When an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus, the mother's immune system may recognize the Rh-positive blood cells as foreign and produce antibodies against them. These antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the fetal red blood cells, leading to their destruction or hemolysis.

This hemolytic process can result in anemia in the fetus, causing a range of complications, including jaundice, swelling, and in severe cases, heart failure or death. While neonatal jaundice is a symptom of HDN due to the breakdown of red blood cells, the direct consequence of Rh incompatibility itself is classified as HDN, which encompasses a spectrum of severity and associated symptoms.

Other options like late miscarriage and gestational diabetes are not direct consequences of Rh incompatibility. Late miscarriage is typically associated with various factors, including genetic abnormalities and maternal health issues, while gestational diabetes is related to insulin resistance during pregnancy and is not linked to blood type incompatibility. Understanding these dynamics is essential in managing and preventing complications associated with Rh incompatibility in pregnant individuals.