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Hypothesize why it is important to have fetal and maternal blood remain separate via the placental barrier during pregnancy.
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Correct answer:
Because the fetus is genetically different from the mother, there are several different mechanisms in place to prevent an immune response from the mother directed towards the fetus. For example, should the fetus have a different blood type from the mother and the maternal immune system is exposed to this different blood type, the maternal immune system may produce antibodies against the fetal blood type. While this is not an issue for the current pregnancy, future pregnancies may be at risk because IgG antibodies against a particular fetal blood type could cross the placenta and place the future pregnancy at risk.
