Matches the blood type of the parents. What do you need to know about the compatibility of people by blood type in sexual and family relationships? Basic concept of Rh factor

When the issue of conceiving a child is of great importance, especially if it has not been possible to get pregnant for a long time, many couples turn to specialists. In fact, a family planning office must be visited from the very beginning. The examination will help determine all factors of compatibility between parents so that the baby is born healthy. Blood group compatibility for conception plays a particularly important role.

What effect does group compatibility have on conception?

The membrane of human red blood cells contains many antigens, which are protein or carbohydrate molecules. Antibodies can be formed in the blood serum to these antigens. By binding to antigens, antibodies cause the destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis). Over 4 dozen antigenic systems are known, but the most famous are the AB0 systems and the Rh factor, which influences the success of bearing a child. All doctors agree that the main influence on the fact of conception is the health status of the parents, and stories about the incompatibility of certain blood groups, which leads to the inability to get pregnant, are a myth.

If partners, despite unprotected sexual intercourse, fail to conceive at the moments of ovulation, this does not indicate incompatibility of the groups, but the presence of serious diseases, often of the reproductive system. Common ones are:

  • diseases of the genitourinary system caused by infection;
  • diseases of the thyroid gland, endocrine system;
  • obstruction of the fallopian tubes, other similar pathologies;
  • problems with sperm motility in men, others.

As for infectious diseases of the genitourinary system, both spouses have them at once, so treatment is prescribed for both husband and wife. In other cases, only one partner may need therapy.

Of course, genetic inheritance is an important factor determining the possibility of normal development of a child, so many women worry about blood type compatibility. But, as already mentioned, the conception and full development of the embryo is influenced by the compatibility of the parents according to the Rh blood factor.

What you need to know before conceiving

The main thing you need to know is what group both partners have. In addition to analysis to determine it, it is also recommended to test for antibodies to the Rh factor. Below we describe in more detail in which cases a Rh conflict can occur that interferes with bearing a healthy child.

Also, every expectant mother needs to find out more information about the following facts:

  1. In some cases, problems can arise not only due to Rh factors, but also as a result of differences in the group itself: a woman has the second, a man has the third/fourth; for a woman it is the third, for a man it is the second/fourth.
  2. According to statistics, women in the fourth group have the most problems with bearing a fetus, so they are usually under special medical supervision.
  3. The ability to conceive is reduced not only due to blood type incompatibility, it can also be affected by pelvic diseases, fibroids, cysts, and other neoplasms.

To prevent possible problems, it is recommended to visit a gynecologist or a family planning office before conceiving.

Blood group compatibility table - I, II, III, IV

Many couples strive to find out the blood type of the unborn baby; this can be done without waiting for his birth, and earlier than the sex of the child on an ultrasound. To do this, it is enough to know the groups of both parents in order to predict the blood type of the unborn baby with a certain accuracy.

The table below helps determine the combination of different parent groups among themselves:

I positive and negativeII and III and IIIII, III
II positive and negativeI and III and III, II, III, IVII, III, IV
III positive and negativeI and IIII, II, III, IVI, IIIII, III, IV
IV positive and negativeII, IIIII, III, IVII, III, IVII, III, IV

The table shows that when the parents’ groups are the same (except for 4), then the child will either have exactly the same one, or 1; if they are different, he may have one of them, or maybe a completely different one. In some cases, for example, when parents have groups 2 and 3, children can have absolutely any group.

Rhesus conflict during conception

Rh conflict is a serious problem that can be an obstacle to pregnancy or successful pregnancy. It occurs in cases where a woman has a negative Rh factor, and a man has a positive Rh factor, while the fetus acquires a positive gene from the father.

To understand what happens in the female body, why it rejects the fetus, you need to have a shallow knowledge of genetics. When the embryo's red blood cells carry antigen proteins related to the positive Rh factor (Rh+), the mother's body perceives the child's red blood cells as foreign bodies and produces antibodies to them. These antibodies bind to antigens on the surface of red blood cells and destroy them.

However, the first pregnancy most often proceeds normally, because the blood circulation of the fetus and mother is normally isolated from each other. Only during childbirth does the blood of mother and child mix, and then the maternal body becomes sensitized and the production of antibodies begins. By the next pregnancy, antibodies to Rh-positive red blood cells are already circulating in the maternal blood. Their peculiarity is that they are able to penetrate the blood of the fetus and destroy its red blood cells.

Let's look at how the Rh factor is inherited.

Mother's Rh factorFather's Rh factor
Rh+ (DD)Rh+ (Dd)Rh- (dd)
Rh+ (DD)Rh+ (DD) - 100%Rh+ (DD) - 50%

Rh+ (Dd) - 50%

Rh+ (Dd) - 100%
Rh+ (Dd)Rh+ (DD) - 50%

Rh+ (Dd) - 50%

Rh+ (DD) - 25%

Rh+ (Dd) - 50%

Rh- (dd) - 25%

Rh+ (Dd) - 50%

Rh- (dd) - 50%

Rh- (dd)Rh+ (Dd) - 100% Rh+ (Dd) - 50%

Rh- (dd) - 50%

Rh- (dd) - 100%

Cases where Rh conflict occurs are highlighted.

As you can see from the table, even if both parents are carriers of a positive Rh factor, this is not a guarantee that they will not have a Rh negative child.

Important! Some partners do not know their Rh factor and are not even aware of the consequences of their negligent attitude towards the issue of conception. Doctors encourage everyone to find out the characteristics of their blood type, doing this not only during a transfusion in a critical situation, but in advance.

Consequences of Rh conflict for the fetus

Hemolytic disease of the fetus is an inevitable consequence of Rh conflict during conception. If the embryo manages to survive, serious changes begin to occur to it. The mother’s body continues to intensively produce antibodies, when they penetrate the fetus’s bloodstream, binding to its Rh-positive red blood cells, the latter are destroyed. This happens in the spleen of the unborn child; the newborn has an enlarged spleen.

Hemoglobin is released from collapsing red blood cells, which, breaking down, turns into bilirubin through several successive transformations. It is the increased content of bilirubin, which has a yellow color, in the blood, organs and tissues that causes the yellow color of the child’s skin - this disease is called hemolytic jaundice of newborns.

Bilirubin is neurotoxic; it can affect both the cortex and subcortical structures of the brain. Long-term consequences may include paralysis, hearing impairment, and mental retardation.

Also, due to the breakdown of red blood cells, their number in the blood decreases, and the child develops hemolytic anemia. Since there are few red blood cells that carry oxygen, the tissues of the fetus and newborn suffer from a lack of oxygen - hypoxia and intrauterine growth retardation occurs.

There are three main forms of hemolytic disease in a newborn:

  1. Anemic. The easiest option. The main symptom is excessively pale skin, enlarged liver and spleen. Red blood cells and hemoglobin are reduced in the blood. Treated with blood transfusion. Usually there are no serious health problems in the future.
  2. Jaundice. In addition to anemia, there is jaundice, enlargement of the liver and spleen. The skin may take on an intense yellow or even yellow-brown color. Amniotic fluid may be yellow in color. Reflexes in newborns are reduced, they are lethargic, and suck poorly. Requires urgent treatment.
  3. Edema. The most severe form. Massive intrauterine destruction of red blood cells leads to severe anemia, hypoxia, metabolic disorders, and tissue edema. The fetus dies before birth or is born in an extremely difficult condition with widespread edema. The skin is very pale and shiny. The child is lethargic, reflexes are depressed, severe cardiac and respiratory failure, severe enlargement of the liver and spleen, large, barrel-shaped abdomen.

Important! When registering a pregnant woman, the blood type and Rh factor of the mother and father must be determined to identify the risk of Rh conflict. Hemolytic disease can be recognized in the early stages if a timely ultrasound is performed with a mandatory study of placental blood flow, a blood test is performed at least 3 times to determine the concentration of anti-Rhesus antibodies, and consultations with the attending physician are required.

Rh factors that match each other

The most optimal for successful conception are the same Rh factors in partners, and it does not matter what group they have. For example, 2 positive and 3 positive combine perfectly; there can be no problems associated with blood incompatibility with conception or fetal development.

Problems arise when 1 negative and 1 positive are combined, and if it is negative, it is in a woman. As described above, it all depends on whose gene the fetus acquires; if the father’s is positive, then a Rh conflict will occur.

The Rh factor can be determined in most clinics by donating blood from a finger prick. You can also purchase a special test sold in pharmacies. The package usually contains an applicator, containers where the blood is placed, and special solutions. Doctors advise not to use such tests without special skills, but to contact laboratories.

Incompatibility between the organisms of mother and fetus can arise due to different Rh factors when Rh conflict occurs. Its consequences for the child can be different: the embryo may die in utero, or be born with a certain form of hemolytic disease. There is a possibility of a completely healthy baby being born. In any case, before planning a conception, every couple is recommended to contact a family planning center.

The urban lifestyle presupposes a responsible attitude towards the birth of a child. Married couples have become This publication informs future parents about the dangers associated with incompatibility of blood factors and how to eliminate them.

In contact with

Blood groups

The human immune system is designed to prevent a foreign agent, which is a specific protein molecule, from entering the blood.

Important! In medicine, it is customary to establish the compatibility of the blood group (blood groups) of parents according to the ABO system and the Rh factor (Rh).

Antigens are located on the surface of red blood cells. If incompatibility occurs, the immune system destroys the intended enemy, sticking red blood cells together.

This leads to death. There are four main blood groups. Type I red blood cells do not contain antigens. Therefore, such blood is designated by the number 0. Antigens of group II cells are named by the letter A.

Blood with red blood cells carrying type B agglutinogens on the membrane was classified as category III.

Red cells possessing both biologically active proteins, that is, AB, are considered to belong to blood group IV. The ratio of carriers of erythrocyte antigens among peoples of different continents and territories is not the same. The most common carriers are groups I and II. The rarest option- AB, that is, the fourth.

In addition to the group for checking for incompatibility, it is necessary to take into account Rh factor(Rh). If this lipoprotein is present on the erythrocyte membrane, they speak of Rh+. Statistics claim that oxygen transporters of 85% of earthlings have this antigen. Red blood cells lacking this factor called Rh negative(Rh-).

When assessing hemes for compatibility, both concepts are used, for example, the first negative blood group, otherwise 0-. Therefore, future parents should take responsibility when planning conception and subsequent successful pregnancy. They need to donate blood to check for compatibility.

Group Compatibility

A table has been developed to determine the absence of a conflict between the blood of the pregnant woman and the embryo. The cells indicate the probability of conceiving a fetus with a certain group, which is inherited from the parents. The first column shows the heme category for the mother, and 2-5 for the father. The cells estimate the probability of the birth of offspring with a particular blood type, %.

Mother Father
0 A B AB
0 100 0 - 50 0 - 50 A - 50
A 0 - 50 0 - 25 0 - 25 A - 50
B 0 - 50 0 - 25 0 - 25 A - 25
AB A - 50 A - 50 A - 25 A - 25

When it comes to heredity, it should be borne in mind that the probability of transmitting a trait is 50%. Therefore, if one of the parents has blood type I and the other has IV, then it is equally likely that the child will receive antigen A or B. A married couple where one of the parents has agglutin B and the other has antigen A is equally likely to have a child. from any of the four possible groups. If the father and mother have the same type of heme (for example, II), then there is a 75% chance that the children will have the same antigen.

These features allow to exclude paternity or maternity in court proceedings. So, a mother with AB cannot have a child with the first group. However, there are exceptions to any rule.

The so-called Bombay phenomenon indicates the appearance of a blood type in a child, which, according to the above information, cannot exist.

Such exceptions are extremely rare, occurring with a probability of 1/10 million, and indicate a lack of our knowledge about the types of heme.

On the surface of the parents' red blood cells there are proteins that have antigenic activity. In accordance with the AB0 diagnostic system, a table has been developed that can be used to determine probable blood type future child.

Rh compatibility

What blood types are compatible? When both parents have positive or negative Rh, there is conflict between the mother and the fetus will not happen. If the mother is Rh-, and the father is positive, there is a possibility of a conflict between the mother and the fetus. The immune system is able to reject an antigen that a pregnant woman does not have. Gestation during which Rhesus conflict occurs may end in miscarriage. If the child is born alive, anemia, dropsy, and mental development defects cannot be ruled out. Most often, illness occurs.

Firstborns are lucky. The process of accumulation of antibodies is a long process. At the beginning of gestation, their titer is insufficient to cause significant damage to the fetus, and the already formed embryo is able to withstand the attack. The situation is worse when the pregnancy is not the first. The body remembers the stranger and attacks immediately. Similar cases occur if women have previously had abortions and miscarriages.

Rhesus conflict table

Diagnosis of incompatibility is carried out when the results reveal abnormalities in fetal development. Venous blood is taken from the mother, the DNA of the embryo is isolated, and it is examined to detect the fragment responsible for the production of the corresponding lipoprotein. If such a site is found, the fetus is considered Rh positive.

Women with the described problem tested monthly for antibodies. If the answer is positive, the pregnant woman is hospitalized. The most effective, but also risky method of treatment is considered blood transfusion fetus Rh-mothers are given anti-Rhesus globulin, which sends a signal to immune cells to stop producing antibodies.

Blood group compatibility at conception

Potential parents are wondering if blood type affects conception? Reliable effect on fertilization not installed. Much more important is the presence or absence of the Rh factor. What blood types are compatible? Any, if there is no conflict on Rh.

Blood group test

Scientific research is revealing previously unknown facts indicating the existence of compatibility of blood groups for conceiving a child. It turned out that impotence in group I owners occurs much less frequently than the rest. Researchers believe that if a man has a second blood type, then his penis has an extremely developed venous network that is subject to damage during conception. The variety of gemma affects fertility. The negative impact of the first group on the frequency of conception consists in accelerated consumption and premature cessation of ovulation.

The scientific debate on this issue is not over, the information is contradictory. It is possible that information may be leaked from unscrupulous advertisers promoting alternative medicines. There is no doubt that women in labor who do not have the blood type that is praised in various publications should not despair. But it is necessary to consult with specialists.

The influence of the group on pregnancy

Some combinations of blood groups of family partners can interfere with painless gestation. What blood types are compatible? The following are likelihood of conflicts developing between the potential mother and the fetus, depending on her type:

  • If a woman has group 0 and the father has another, then the antibodies of the embryo with a variant other than I destroy the mother’s red blood cells, causing toxicosis. This type of conflict can be asymptomatic and less dangerous than Rhesus conflict.
  • Which male blood types are incompatible with the second positive female? Problems arise if this III or IV.
  • When the mother has category III, you should be careful if the partner has A or AB antigens.
  • Fourth positive blood group considered ideal in terms of compatibility for conception.

Incompatible groups

The likelihood of a confrontation between antibodies and red blood cells increases if the embryo has a different group with the mother.

Despite the successful conception of a child, during pregnancy the body accumulates antibodies, which are activated during the newborn period, lysing red blood cells.

Fourth positive blood group of the embryo may conflict with 0, A or B antigens of mothers' red blood cells.

The greatest danger awaits carriers of 0Rh- when antigens II or III are detected in children.

What blood types are incompatible at conception? Doctors pay special attention in the following situations:

  • A woman has type I heme, her partner has any other.
  • Mom has II, and dad has III or IV.
  • Men A or AB have wife B.

In fact, blood group compatibility problems for conceiving a child does not exist. There is only a predisposition to the manifestation of certain pathologies, which can be avoided if you follow the recommendations of the gynecologist.

When conceiving, it is necessary to pay special attention not to the blood groups of the parents, but to the combination of the negative Rh factor of the mother with the positive Rh factor of the father.

The post-industrial lifestyle is accompanied by a decrease in the birth rate. The health of the unborn child is influenced by many genetically determined circumstances. The most dangerous is the combination of an Rh-negative mother with a father who has this antigen.

Useful video: blood group compatibility, what is Rh conflict

The desire to become parents and have a complete family is a natural need for many married couples. Planning a baby is an important stage in the life of spouses. That is why expectant mothers and fathers strive to obtain as much information as possible on all issues related to a future pregnancy. One of the important points worth paying attention to is blood compatibility for successful conception and subsequent pregnancy. Routine examinations at the stage of preparation for pregnancy will identify possible disorders, as well as situations requiring additional medical monitoring.

The term “blood type” is familiar to everyone. But not everyone knows how important this characteristic is for the further continuation of the human race.

Blood groups for conception - what are they?

Each parent has one of four blood groups - I (or O), II (or A), III (or B) and IV (or AB). Belonging to one or another category is determined by the presence of certain proteins - agglutinins α and β in plasma and agglutinogens A and B in red blood cells - erythrocytes. These “protein combinations” formed the following blood groups:

  • The first group is group (O), determined by the presence of α and β antibodies, but no antigens.
  • The second group, group (A), is characterized by the presence of A antigen and β antibodies.
  • The third group, group (B), is determined by the presence of proteins α and B.
  • The fourth group is group (AB), characterized by the presence of antigens A and B, but no antibodies.

Many parents wonder whether their blood type affects the successful conception and subsequent course of pregnancy. It’s worth mentioning right away that the group itself does not influence these processes in any way. However, depending on the initial data of the parents, one can assume a certain risk of developing certain deviations. Knowing the blood type of the parents, you can calculate the blood type of the unborn baby as a percentage. The results of blood group compatibility for conceiving a child are clearly demonstrated in the table below.

  • So, if both parents are carriers of the first blood group, then their baby with a 100% probability will also have this group.
  • The combination of the first and second or first and third groups will give an equal probability of having babies with the first and second, and the first and third blood groups, respectively.
  • The most unpredictable is the combination of the second and third groups, since in this case your little one can have absolutely any blood type.

Immunological conflict

A responsible approach to planning and bearing a baby can significantly reduce possible negative phenomena that sometimes happen during the 9 months of waiting for a replenishment. One of the preventive tests - determining the compatibility of partners by blood group - may not play a special role for conception, but for the further development of the toddler its importance can be very great. A possible conflict between mother and baby in her womb due to the Rh factor is practically nothing new to anyone. But not everyone knows about the compatibility of blood in the mother-baby bond for conceiving and bearing a child. There are some combinations that can cause complications during pregnancy.

  • Blood type 1: compatibility for conception. If the mother has the first blood group, and the father of the child has any other, a conflict under the ABO system is possible. If a child has a blood type other than the first, then when they meet the mother’s blood cells, α and β antibodies destroy red blood cells with a foreign antigen. However, there is no need to panic in advance. The presence of the blood type situation described above does not always provoke a conflict, and even without outside intervention, healthy children are born. If the expectant mother wants to play it safe, then after the 30th week she can be tested (once a month) for group antibodies. This conflict (if detected) is less dangerous than the Rhesus conflict. Moreover, with each subsequent pregnancy, the risk of its occurrence decreases more often.
  • Blood type 2: compatibility for conception. When the blood of the second group circulates in the expectant mother’s body, the likelihood of incompatibility with the baby arises if the father’s blood is of the third and fourth groups.
  • Blood type 3: compatibility for conception. More careful attention is required when the child’s father has group A or AB (second and fourth, respectively), and the mother has the third group.
  • Blood type 4: compatibility for conception. If a woman has this blood type, then there is no likelihood of conflict.

This information in no way suggests that people with “possibly incompatible” blood types should not have children or that such a pregnancy will obviously be problematic. It’s just that future mothers and fathers should know that a certain combination of blood groups may require additional attention (blood tests, ultrasound) on their part. If antibodies are detected in the blood of a pregnant woman, treatment is not prescribed immediately and not always - the doctor monitors the dynamics of this indicator. If intervention is necessary, therapy is prescribed. The most effective and safe method is plasmapheresis, although it also has a number of contraindications. When a conflict is detected, the optimal therapy is selected by the doctor.

Blood compatibility for conceiving a child: pregnancy and Rh factor - introduction

Almost every person has heard the term “Rh factor”. However, not everyone fully knows and understands what information it contains. A special protein (antigen) that is located on the surface of red blood cells is the Rh factor. In cases where this protein is detected, they speak of a positive Rh factor; if it is not there, the person’s blood has a negative Rh factor. About 15% of the population does not have the antigen. Laboratory analysis allows you to determine whether you belong to one type or another.

  • You donate blood.
  • The laboratory technician determines the presence or absence of a specific protein and makes a conclusion about a positive or negative Rh factor.

Laboratory analysis is designed to determine the compatibility of blood groups and Rhesus to eliminate problems not so much during conception, but during the subsequent course of pregnancy. If the Rh factor of the expectant mother and father is the same, then problems almost never arise. But, unfortunately, this does not always happen.

Blood compatibility for conceiving a child - the occurrence of Rh conflict

Young people love each other, dream of having a baby together and don’t even think about any “Rhesus”. And suddenly a Rhesus conflict arises.

Causes of Rh conflict

Situations when the child’s father does not have protein on his red blood cells, but his mother has it (or vice versa) require additional attention. That is why, even before pregnancy, it is recommended to undergo tests to determine the compatibility of the parents’ blood in order to exclude the influence of negative factors both for conception and subsequent pregnancy. Moreover, in some cases, even before the appearance of a little man in the womb of a woman, the expectant mother needs to undergo therapy to prevent diseases and rejection of the fetus.

Let's look at these 2 cases in more detail:

  • The mother's Rh is positive, the father's Rh is negative. In most cases, this situation does not pose any threat to either the woman or the baby in her womb. Even if the baby has a negative Rh factor, a conflict will not arise, because the woman's blood contains the antigen, but the child's blood does not.
  • The mother's Rh is negative, the father's Rh is positive. But this situation is already dangerous. If the baby “takes” the father’s antigens, then a conflict arises between the immune systems of the mother and the fetus. The woman’s body is trying to get rid of the foreign object. The production of protein compounds—antibodies—begins, which are designed to eliminate the baby’s red blood cells.

That is why, if a woman donates blood to determine her group and Rh affiliation, an antigen is detected during the analysis, then the father’s Rh is often not even interested in her.

Rh conflict and subsequent pregnancies: how to prevent

The baby's Rh status is formed in the very early stages of pregnancy (at 6-8 weeks). If it is the first pregnancy, then even the presence of a special protein in the baby’s blood almost never leads to a conflict. This is explained by the fact that the first meeting of a woman’s immune system with the baby’s antigens leads to the production of class M immunoglobulin. The structure of this substance does not allow it to penetrate the placental barrier, and the baby is safe. However, information about this “meeting” is stored in the so-called cell memory. And during subsequent pregnancies, group G antibodies are produced, which easily penetrate the baby and can cause fetal death or premature termination of pregnancy. G-antibodies, once appearing in the blood, remain in the body for life.

A woman should also take into account that the production of immunoglobulin does not depend on whether the pregnancy ended with the birth of a baby or was artificially terminated, as well as on its location - uterine or ectopic attachment of the fetus. To prevent the occurrence of conflict in the future (2 and subsequent pregnancies), after the first pregnancy, within 48 hours, the woman is injected with anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin, which “erases the memory” of the presence of foreign cells. The sooner the drug is administered, the greater the likelihood of its effectiveness. Thus, the compatibility of Rh blood factors is of utmost importance not only for conception, but for the subsequent successful growth and development of the toddler.

Consequences of lack of therapy for Rhesus conflict

An active attack from the mother’s body often leads to not very good consequences for the baby. The lack of adequate and timely therapy can cause the baby to develop hemolytic disease. Its manifestations (forms) can be as follows:

  • Development of anemia. This is the mildest scenario and the prognosis is most often favorable.
  • Postpartum jaundice. This is a more severe form of disorders, which is manifested not only by yellowing of the baby’s skin, but also by anemia, enlargement of the liver and spleen. There is an increased level of bilirubin.
  • The edematous form is the formation of dropsy of the heart or brain. This is the most severe form of pathology. If the antibody attack occurs early, a miscarriage most often occurs. Defeat in subsequent weeks leads to the birth of a baby in a very serious condition. There is pallor and severe cardiopulmonary failure.

As a consequence of hypoxia, deviations in the mental development of the child are possible.

That is why it is very important not only to be examined in advance, but also to monitor your health throughout pregnancy. Timely start of therapy will allow you to give birth to a healthy baby at term.

When a man and a woman are just starting to build a relationship, they are unlikely to be interested in each other’s blood type, much less its compatibility. And only when a couple thinks about having a child does this question become relevant. Most often, spouses are tested for groups and Rh factor when the woman is already pregnant. Ideally, undergo a comprehensive examination, including a blood compatibility test upon conception, at the stage of pregnancy planning.

As you know, humans have four types of blood according to their blood group and two according to their Rh factor. The first group is 0 (I), the second is A (II), the third is B (III) and the fourth is AB (IV). In addition, blood can be Rh positive (Rh+) and Rh negative (Rh-).

Blood and Rh compatibility

Doctors say that, as such, blood group incompatibility does not exist. There may be immunological, genetic, HLA incompatibility between spouses, as well as the production of antibodies to the man’s sperm. In this regard, conception may not occur, pregnancies end in miscarriages, the child is born non-viable or dies in the mother’s womb.

As for the blood type of future parents, it has practically no significance when planning pregnancy and does not affect the conception, gestation and birth of offspring.

The situation is different with the Rh factor. In this case, incompatibility of partners with different Rh is possible. As a rule, there are no problems with conception, but there is a possibility of Rh conflict between the woman and the unborn child.

When can Rh conflict occur?

It is possible only in one case - if the mother’s Rh factor is negative, the father’s is positive, and the fetus has inherited the father’s Rh factor.

The conflict arises due to the incompatibility of the mother's Rh-negative blood and the red blood cells of the unborn child, on the membranes of which there is a specific protein. When fetal red blood cells enter a woman’s bloodstream, her body perceives them as foreign and begins to produce antibodies against them.

As a rule, during the first pregnancy the amount of antibodies in the blood is small, so they do not affect the developing fetus. In addition, during the first pregnancy, the red blood cells of the unborn baby should not normally enter the mother’s blood, since this is prevented by the blood-placental barrier. Fetal blood enters a woman's bloodstream only during natural childbirth or during a caesarean section.

However, in some cases, it is possible for fetal red blood cells to reach the mother, including:

  • Abortion.
  • Ectopic pregnancy.
  • Miscarriage.
  • Taking amniotic fluid for analysis to diagnose fetal pathologies.
  • Chorionic villus biopsy is the taking of its villi for analysis to diagnose fetal diseases.
  • Bleeding during pregnancy.
  • Rh+ blood transfusion.

When a child’s red blood cells come into contact with the mother’s blood, her body begins the process of producing Rh antibodies, which is called sensitization. If none of this has happened to a woman, most likely there will be no conflict during her first pregnancy, and the contact between the blood of mother and child, which occurs during the first birth, does not affect the health of the latter in any way. But if sensitization occurred for the above reasons or during the first birth, then this is irreversible. In subsequent pregnancies, treatment is necessary to prevent Rh conflict.

Why is Rh conflict dangerous?

Antibodies that are produced to foreign proteins upon contact between the blood of a woman and the fetus destroy the red blood cells of the unborn child. He develops anemia and also increases bilirubin levels, which usually occurs when red blood cells break down. Bilirubin is toxic and has a negative effect on the brain. The bone marrow of the unborn baby cannot cope with the production of new red blood cells; the spleen and liver are involved in the process. As a result, they increase in size, and this leads to an increase in pressure in the veins, swelling of the subcutaneous fat and other tissues. Such disturbances in fetal development are called hemolytic disease, which can lead to brain pathologies and even intrauterine death. Thus, Rh conflict has the following consequences for the child:

  • swelling (dropsy);
  • jaundice;
  • hypoxia;
  • anemia;
  • mental retardation;
  • intrauterine death.

For the health of the mother, Rh conflict does not pose a danger and manifests itself as an allergic reaction.

Treatment

Thanks to medical advances, even Rhesus-incompatible spouses can produce healthy children.

At the first visit to the antenatal clinic, the pregnant woman is immediately sent for a blood test for the Rh factor. If the expectant mother is Rh negative, the future father must also donate blood. If he is Rh negative, then the conflict will not occur, but if he is positive, special monitoring of the woman and the developing fetus is required, since it can inherit the father’s blood. The expectant mother will have to periodically donate blood for Rh antibodies. If their production has begun, special treatment is required. If sensitization is detected in time and timely therapy is started, the child will be born healthy.

First, the doctor constantly checks the condition of the unborn child in order to detect symptoms of Rh conflict. If signs appear, treatment will depend on their severity. The main thing is to support the vital activity of the fetus, which is to combat oxygen starvation and developmental delays. It is important to increase the level of red blood cells in the blood, which may require intrauterine blood transfusion through the umbilical cord vein under ultrasound guidance. But more often a blood transfusion is given to a child after birth. Sometimes this even requires early birth.

If no antibodies are detected in a pregnant woman when donating blood, it means that sensitization has not occurred, but prevention is still required. To prevent the production of antibodies when fetal red blood cells come into contact with maternal blood, anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin is prescribed in a special course, which prevents fetal red blood cells from being recognized as foreign, thus preventing sensitization.

Immunoglobulin is usually prescribed in the following cases:

  • if antibodies are not detected at the 28th week of pregnancy;
  • such therapy is required after the birth of an Rh-positive child to prevent postpartum sensitization (during the first 72 hours);
  • after cases such as abortion, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, taking chorionic villi and amniotic fluid for analysis and other risk factors.

The effect of immunoglobulin does not last long - about 12 weeks, so each subsequent pregnancy of an Rh-negative woman requires repeating the course.

Conclusion

Nowadays, different blood of parents is not an obstacle to the birth of healthy children. If incompatibility of groups is usually not discussed, and they do not matter for conception, then a mismatch of Rhesus numbers can lead to disruption of intrauterine development of the fetus. Timely detection of the problem and timely measures taken can prevent Rh conflict or make its manifestations minimal. Thanks to special treatment or prevention, Rh-negative women have the opportunity to give birth to healthy children, and even more than one.

All your friends already have children, and you and your significant other decided that it’s time for you to have offspring too. Of course, many future parents do not want to leave things to chance, wanting to prepare thoroughly. After all, the baby’s health depends on it. If to conception If you don’t prepare and check whether you are compatible, problems may arise both during pregnancy and after the baby is born.

Experts have found that about 15% of couples experience incompatibility problem. If this problem is not identified and prevented in a timely manner, the pregnancy can be terminated at any time. The same is to be expected if the couple is incompatible at the immunological level.

It is for this reason that it is so important that both the woman and the man undergo all examinations before conceiving a child.

What kind of incompatibility happens?

Immunity.

The immune system women are able to produce antibodies that fight the sperm of a man, who must act as the father of the unborn baby. This is, so to speak, an allergic reaction to the sperm of a certain man. A woman produces large quantities of antisperm antibodies. There are cases when a man’s body produced such antibodies.

This does not mean that the couple will not be able to conceive. baby, but the likelihood of saving the child is very low. The situation is aggravated by the fact that this incompatibility is accompanied by certain diseases that affect the reproductive system of the expectant mother.

To eliminate this possibility, it is necessary to do before the moment of conception test, confirming or refuting immunological incompatibility.

Blood type.

At the moment of conception blood women and men mix and a new composition of the child’s blood is formed. A child can have absolutely any blood type, since when a fetus is born, 4 blood groups are formed simultaneously. However, their percentages are different. The blood of the parents is predominant.

If mom and dad have the same blood type, then in 95% of cases the child will have the same blood type as the parents. If the parents have different blood types, then the probability that the toddler will have one of them is approximately 25%. In 99% of cases, the baby becomes the owner of the maternal blood types and Rh factor.

Experts say that the best option is when a man’s blood type is higher than that of a woman. In this case, the baby will be healthier. For example, if you women the first group, then a man should have any other. If a woman has a third blood group, then a man should have a fourth. Pregnancy proceeds best if the parents have the same blood groups.

Rh factor.

If a man and a woman have different Rh factors, there is a risk that the woman’s body will reject the developing fetus, considering it a foreign body. However, in comparison with the immunological factor, with this incompatibility it is quite possible to become pregnant and give birth to a baby. It is important to visit your doctor regularly and undergo all examinations prescribed by him.

You need to know that Rh conflict can arise if a woman is Rh negative and men Rh positive.

The risk increases during childbirth when the mother's blood combines with the father's blood. The immune system begins to produce antibodies that fight the man's Rh positive blood. However, today doctors have already found a way to solve this problem.

The problem of the Rh factor can also appear during the period of planning a second child. A woman can easily become pregnant, but the course pregnancy and its completion may be disastrous. To save the baby you will have to make a lot of effort. However, with a strong desire, everything can work out, so don’t panic ahead of time.

Genetics.

In most cases genetic compatibility Those couples are examined who, according to all other examinations, are fine, but they still cannot “get pregnant” or the woman cannot carry a child.

Every cell of our body has a protein on its surface called HLA. If the body is healthy, then these proteins can detect a foreign body and let the immune system know about it, which in turn produces antibodies for protection. Pregnancy is also a kind of invasion of a foreign body. As a rule, after conception, blocking antigens are formed in a woman’s body, which are responsible for protecting the placenta and fetus from rejection.

If a man's HLA is similar to a woman's HLA, then the body does not produce antibodies. The child's condition may be at risk.