Understanding Blood Type Compatibility in Pregnancy

When a baby begins to grow, one of the first checks a care team performs is to determine the blood type and Rh factor of the pregnant person. This is a small but important detail that can influence how smoothly the pregnancy progresses. 

What Is Blood Type Compatibility?

Blood type refers to the presence or absence of specific proteins (antigens) on the surface of red blood cells (RBC). These proteins determine whether your blood type is A, B, AB, or O (ABO Group). Another key factor is the Rh factor, which indicates whether you are Rh-positive (you have the Rh protein) or Rh-negative (you don’t).

Source: Cleveland Clinic 

While blood type and Rh factor don’t typically affect day-to-day health, they can become important during pregnancy if there’s an incompatibility between the carrier’s and baby’s blood types.

In the case of surrogacy, if the gestational surrogate is Rh-negative for example and the baby is Rh-positive (a trait inherited from the egg or sperm provider), her body could produce antibodies against the baby’s blood cells; this is the Rh incompatibility concern.

Why Rh Factor Matters in Pregnancy

The main concern arises when a surrogate or pregnant parent is Rh-negative, and the baby is Rh-positive (inherited from an Rh-positive biological father). In this case, the carrier’s immune system might recognize the baby’s Rh-positive blood cells as “foreign” and produce antibodies against them. This is a condition known as Rh incompatibility.

These antibodies can cross the placenta and damage the baby’s red blood cells, potentially leading to a condition called hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) . Fortunately, modern medicine has made this preventable. Carriers who are Rh-negative receive an Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg) injection, commonly known as RhoGAM, around the 28th week of pregnancy and again after delivery if the baby is Rh-positive. This medication prevents the body from forming harmful antibodies and keeps both the carrier and baby safe.

Less severe than Rh issues, ABO incompatibility happens when the parent has type O blood and the baby inherits type A or B (or AB) from the other parent. It can cause mild red-blood-cell destruction and jaundice in the newborn, but rarely leads to major complications.

What Intended Parents Should Know

For intended parents, understanding blood type compatibility is an essential part of early medical screening. When creating embryos through IVF, both egg and sperm sources are tested for blood type and Rh factor. This information helps medical teams anticipate potential compatibility concerns and ensure the surrogate receives appropriate care and monitoring.

While Rh incompatibility is rare in modern pregnancies thanks to preventive care, awareness is still important. Intended parents can feel reassured knowing their fertility and medical team at Babymoon Surrogacy will guide and monitor these details closely.

What Surrogates Should Know

If you’re a surrogate, your clinic will test your blood type and Rh factor early in the screening process. If you are Rh-negative, your care team will take extra precautions during pregnancy to protect both you and the baby. These measures are routine, safe, and effective, allowing for a healthy and smooth pregnancy experience.

Surrogates can take comfort in knowing that Rh compatibility is one of many medical factors carefully reviewed before and during the journey to ensure everyone’s well-being.

Key Steps You Can Take

Blood type compatibility may sound technical, but it’s one of many safeguards that help ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth.  Most blood type issues in modern prenatal care are preventable or manageable. Here are a few key steps you can take to stay informed. 

• Know your blood type and Rh factor. 

• Ask about antibody screening especially if you’re Rh-negative.

• Stay informed and consult with your healthcare provider.

  
  

Important Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical, legal, or psychological advice. Always consult qualified professionals for guidance tailored to your individual circumstances.