Do you know your blood group?

Do you know your blood group? There are 4 main blood types- A,B,AB and O. Each blood type is either Rhesus D positive or negative so in total there are 8 blood groups. Rhesus D positive (for example A+) means there are D antigens present and A- means there are none present. The most common blood groups are A+ and O+. The least common blood groups are AB + and AB- (Im AB+ along with only 3% of the worlds population!) . Blood groups don't usually affect pregnancy unless your type is Rhesus D negative so thats either A-, B-, O- or AB- (Very rarely, other antibodies are picked up during blood tests such as anti-k and anti-E. These complex antibodies may also impact a pregnancy.) . If the baby you're carrying is also rhesus D negative then all is well. If the baby is rhesus positive then there may be some concern that some fetal blood cells might cross into your blood stream causing your body to create antibodies (it thinks its being attacked) These antibodies can sometimes cause problems with the baby at birth such as anaemia and severe jaundice requiring blood transfusions. . As most people don't know what rhesus status their baby is (unless the dad is also rhesus negative) they may be offered an antiD injection in pregnancy in the UK. It may however, be possible to have a blood test to check the baby's blood type whilst still in the womb, so ask your care provider if you're RH -.

The anti D injection prevents fetal blood cells entering the mothers in the rare event that their blood mixes. . Everyone in the UK are offered blood group testing during early pregnancy, not just to find out their rhesus status but so that health care providers are aware of their blood group in case of the need for transfusion during pregnancy or birth.

Do you know your blood group?