Not Just a Letter on Your Report. Most people know their blood group A, B, AB, or O and whether they’re positive or negative. But during pregnancy, that small detail becomes a very big deal.
At Flowrence, we’ve seen how blood group mismatch, especially Rh incompatibility, can turn an otherwise smooth pregnancy into a high-risk situation if it’s not caught early.
Understanding the basics: What’s the Rh factor?
Your blood type includes a letter (A, B, AB, or O) and a Rh factor which is either positive or negative.
For example, you might be A+ or O.
If the mother is Rh-negative and the father is Rh-positive, there’s a chance the baby will inherit Rh-positive blood. That’s where problems can arise.
Why it matters in pregnancy
If the baby’s Rh-positive red blood cells cross into the mother’s bloodstream (which can happen during delivery, miscarriage, or certain medical procedures), the mother’s immune system may treat them as foreign and start producing antibodies. This is called Rh sensitization.
In future pregnancies, these antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the baby’s red blood cells leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn, anemia, jaundice, and even stillbirth in severe cases.
How we detect and manage it
At our maternity centre, the Rh status is checked in the very first trimester.
If the mother is Rh-negative and not sensitized (confirmed via an Indirect Coombs Test), she receives a preventive injection called Anti-D immunoglobulin around 28 weeks and again within 72 hours after delivery (if the baby is Rh-positive). It’s a simple, safe shot and it prevents a complex, avoidable problem.
Other cases where blood group matters
Even beyond Rh factor, blood type is important for:
- Emergency transfusions: In case of C-section, bleeding, or complications. That’s why we always keep blood group and antibody screening updated in every patient file.
- Planning surgeries: Whether done by a gynecologist or general surgeon in Rajkot, any surgery during pregnancy or post-delivery needs precise blood matching to avoid delays.
- Placental complications: Like previa or abruption, where bleeding risk is high
Our team prepares for all of this early especially in mothers with previous surgeries, C-sections, or miscarriages.
What you should do
- Know your blood group before planning pregnancy
- Ensure your partner knows theirs
- Share full previous history of miscarriage, transfusion, or sensitization with your best gynecologist in Rajkot
- Never skip the 28-week check or the Anti-D injection if advised
Final Word
Your blood group isn’t just a detail it’s a decision-maker.
Knowing it early, understanding the risks, and following the right protocol can prevent a range of complications.
Don’t let a missed test become a missed chance for a safer pregnancy.
