Is a pregnant mother’s blood kept separate from her fetus’ blood?

Question

I have searched online multiple times to see whether a pregnant mother’s blood and her fetus’ blood are kept separate. I’ve even looked in textbooks, and often it’s implied but never said outright and plainly in those terms.

I’ve looked online, but I’ve not yet found a reputable source that spells it out clearly.

Are a pregnant mother’s blood and her fetus’ blood kept separate? Why or why not?

In: 68

Answer 1

Yes, they’re separate, which is why a baby can have a different blood type than it’s mother. The placenta allows nutrients and antibodies to pass, while keeping the larger blood cells discrete. Unfortunately, drugs and many infectious agents can also pass the placental barrier.