Hydrops fetalis is a serious condition in which abnormal amounts of fluid build up in two or more body areas of a fetus or newborn.

See also: Erythroblastosis fetalis

There are two types of hydrops fetalis. The exact cause depends on which form a baby has.

• Immune hydrops fetalis is a complication of a severe form of Rh incompatibility. Rh compatibility causes massive red blood cell destruction, which leads to several problems, including total body swelling. Severe swelling can interfere with how the body organs work.
• Non-immune hydrops fetalis occurs when a disease or medical condition disrupts the body's ability to manage fluid. There are three main causes for this type: heart or lung problems, severe anemia (thalassemia), and genetic defects, including Turner syndrome.

The rate of immune hydrops fetalis has dropped dramatically since the introduction of a medicine called RhoGAM, used to treat mothers at risk for Rh incompatibility.

Symptoms depend on the severity of the condition. Mild forms may cause:

• Liver swelling
• Pallor

More severe forms may cause:

• Breathing problems
• Bruising or purplish bruise-like spots on the skin
• Heart failure
• Severe anemia
• Severe jaundice
• Total body swelling

An ultrasound done during pregnancy may show:

• High amounts of amniotic fluid
• Abnormally large placenta
• Fluid that leads to swelling in the unborn baby's belly area and organs, including the liver, spleen, heart, or lung area

An amniocentesis and frequent ultrasounds will be done to determine the severity of the condition.