Can ABO hemolytic disease cause fetal demise?
Disease description:
I am 36 weeks pregnant and recently discovered that my blood type differs from my baby’s, which may lead to ABO hemolytic disease. Could ABO hemolytic disease cause fetal demise?
Doctor's answer (2)
Dr. Deng Xuanbi
First, the mother’s and baby’s blood types cannot be identical. ABO incompatibility typically occurs when the mother has type O blood and the father has a non-O blood type (e.g., A, B, or AB). If the baby inherits type A or type B blood, ABO hemolytic disease may develop after birth. However, there is no need for excessive concern—ABO hemolytic disease does not cause fetal demise (missed abortion).
