Word: Erythroblastosis Fetalis
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Erythroblastosis fetalis is a serious medical condition that affects newborn babies. It happens when there is a problem between the mother’s blood and the baby’s blood. Specifically, it usually occurs when a mother who has Rh-negative blood (a type of blood) has a baby with Rh-positive blood (which the baby may inherit from the father). This can cause severe anemia, meaning the baby does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen properly.
Usage Instructions: - Use this term when discussing medical issues related to pregnancy and blood types. - It is a technical term often used in medical settings, so it may not be common in everyday conversation.
Example Sentence: "The doctor explained that erythroblastosis fetalis could lead to serious complications for the baby if not treated before birth."
Advanced Usage: - In more advanced discussions, you might encounter terms like "Rh incompatibility" or "amniocentesis," which are related to erythroblastosis fetalis. - Healthcare professionals may discuss treatment options, such as blood transfusions for the baby, or prenatal interventions.
Word Variants: - "Erythroblastosis" (the first part of the term) refers to the presence of immature red blood cells in the blood, while "fetalis" refers specifically to the fetus.
Different Meanings: - This term is quite specific and typically does not have different meanings outside of the medical context.
Synonyms: - While there are no direct synonyms, you might hear related terms like "hemolytic disease of the newborn," which describes a similar condition.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to erythroblastosis fetalis, as it is a specialized medical term.
In summary, erythroblastosis fetalis is a condition linked to blood type incompatibility between mother and baby, leading to severe anemia in newborns.