Knowing your blood type and Rh-factor can save your or someone else’s life. Why is it so necessary to remember this information? First, doctors need to know it for a blood transfusion (although they will definitely double check if there is time). Secondly, this information plays a crucial role in planning a family. Before pregnancy, it is important to understand whether the parents are compatible according to these two indicators. Incompatibility can lead to serious problems.

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Rh-factor compatibility of future parents

A Rhesus factor incompatibility can lead to problems even with conception. The table shows the risk of developing an Rh-conflict in percentages. A Rhesus conflict is the immune response of the Rh-negative mother to erythrocyte antigens of the Rh-positive fetus, which produces anti-Rh antibodies that break down the erythrocytes, in turn leading to serious problems in the fetus.

Blood type compatibility of future parents

The blood type also depends on proteins on the surface of red blood cells. Type O blood is devoid of the proteins, while in types 2, 3 and 4 they have their own individual characteristics. If a baby inherits the protein that the father has but the mother doesn’t, it may lead to conflict with the maternal body. Such situations are much less common than Rh-conflicts, but they are still worth knowing. Carefully read the table to know if you are at risk of complications.

What to do in case of incompatibility?

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It is important to note that during the first pregnancy, it is possible to avoid problems with Rh-factor incompatibility because it develops rather slowly. And yet, as a preventive measure, modern doctors prescribe an Rh-immune treatment at week 28. It slows down the development of the antibodies so that they don’t harm the fetus. Sometimes it is repeated at the 34th week of pregnancy.

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It goes without saying that the conflict should be under close supervision of a gynecologist. During this pregnancy, a woman should undergo all the necessary tests (ultrasound, CTG, amniocentesis – only if indicated) for the doctor to monitor the development of the fetus in order to avoid any complications.

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Although this is a serious problem that needs constant monitoring by doctors, it should be noted that an incompatible couple is not doomed! Firstly, there is a chance of avoiding the conflict, in which case everything will be fine. Secondly, with proper medical examination throughout pregnancy, you can avoid any complications. Be attentive to your health!

This article is solely for informational purposes. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for any harm that may result from using the information provided in the article.