What condition develops if Rh-incompatibility leads to severe fetal anemia and death?

Fetal hydrops is a serious condition that can develop as a consequence of Rh incompatibility, which occurs when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus. In cases of Rh incompatibility, the mother’s immune system may produce antibodies against the Rh-positive red blood cells of the fetus, leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). This hemolysis results in severe anemia in the fetus, prompting compensatory fluid overload and subsequent organ dysfunction.

As the fetus struggles with the severe anemia, it may develop hydrops fetalis, characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in fetal compartments, such as the abdomen (ascites), around the heart (pericardial effusion), or under the skin (edema). If untreated, this condition can lead to heart failure and eventually fetal death.

The other conditions listed do not relate to the sequelae of Rh incompatibility and do not develop directly from the effects of hemolytic disease. Ectopic pregnancy involves implantation outside the uterus, placenta previa is related to placental positioning over the cervix, and gestational diabetes is a metabolic condition that arises during pregnancy and is unrelated to Rh status or fetal blood issues. Thus, hydrops fetalis is the correct association with