SIckle Cell in the womb

[Whirligig Girl]

If a mother had sickle cell disease, but the child does not, in the womb would the child have sickle cells in their system until after birth when the Baby is self-sufficient in blood-cell production? Baby and mother are connected in the womb. THis is for an argument in science class, so I need to have a good source for the answer.

[Kryten]

Blood doesn't physically travel from mother to fetus, substances diffuses across the placenta.

[Whirligig Girl]

thanks for clearing it up.

[Camacha]

Blood doesn't physically travel from mother to fetus, substances diffuses across the placenta.

Indeed. Bloodstreams are actually surprisingly (and completely) seperated, up to the level where the mother can have HIV/AIDS and the child will be safe. Some precautions need to be taken at - and preferably before - birth to prevent infection, but the child should be fine.

I would do a little research on the workings of the placenta, it is a wonderful and slightly yucky organ.