When any excessive accumulation takes place the condition is known as "hydrops " or " dropsy."
In cases in which incompatibility is not identified before birth, the baby suffers recognizable characteristic symptoms such as anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and hydrops fetalis.
Complications are indicated by high levels of bilirubin in the amniotic fluid or baby's blood or if the ultrasound reveals hydrops fetalis.
Extended hydrops fetalis can inhibit lung growth and contribute to heart failure.
Hydrops fetalis-A condition in which a fetus or newborn baby accumulates fluids, causing swollen arms and legs and impaired breathing.