People with type O blood have no hats at all on their blood cells but have anti-A and anti-B antibodies. People with AB blood group have both A and B hats on their blood cells and have neither A nor B antibodies (what a friendly group)! Similarly, a lady whose blood type is B, carries B antigens (B hats) on her blood cells and her body has anti-A antibodies which would destroy any type A blood in her body. These antibodies destroy and type B blood cells that were found in her body. This woman would also have antibodies against type B blood cells called anti-B antibodies. They only like other cells that are wearing the same hat as them, and they have a store of bully buddies that get rid of any cell in the wrong hat (antibodies).Ī woman who has type A blood group, carries type A antigens (A hat) on each of her blood cells, which identify these cells as her own. You can think of antigens like hats – there are type A hats and type B hats, worn by the red cells of their specific blood groups. Each blood group has specific characteristics, which belong to them alone they carry antigens on your red blood cells and produce antibodies against other group antigens. These letters signify your blood group or type. We know from many years of research that there are four distinct blood groups A, B, AB and O. Firstly, let’s get an understanding of blood groups before we move on to why it is important during pregnancy. It is important to confirm your blood group when you are pregnant as it may have an impact and not just on this pregnancy, but on future pregnancies also. However your blood group is one of the first routine tests conducted when your pregnancy is confirmed. Some people will know what their blood type is if they have previously donated blood or if they have certain medical conditions, but it isn’t something that is necessarily at the forefront of your mind. Prior to pregnancy you may or may not have been aware of your blood group, as this may have had little significance in your life up to this point. Why is your blood group important in pregnancy?
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