A newly published clinical study evaluated for the relationship of ABO blood type and the risk for complications during pregnancy in over 20'000 Patients after a frozen embryo transfer (FET).
What is ABO blood type?
ABO blood type refers to the antigens found on an individual's red blood cells (RBCs). Blood types can be divided in to four categories: Type A, Type B, Type AB and Type O.
Type A Blood: the RBCs have type A antigen and the immune system produces anti-B antibodies
Type B Blood: the RBCs have type B antigen and the immune system produce anti-A antibodies
Type AB Blood: the RBCs have both type A and type B antigen and the immune system does not produce antibodies against either of these antigens
Type O Blood: The RBCs do not have either of the antigens and the immune system produces both anti-A and anti-B antibodies
Which blood types were at elevated risk for complications during pregnancy?
Patients in the study that had Type B Blood had a slightly elevated risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Patients that had type B antigen (both Type B and AB blood) were at an elevated risk of being larger than gestational age (LGA) and having macrosomia (elevated weight for baby beyond 9 lbs).
Patients with Type A Blood had an elevated risk of developing placenta praevia (placenta was completely or partially covering the cervix).
Limitations of the Study:
The results from this study are based on observational findings and can only be used to establish correlation and fall short of establishing causation between blood type and risk for complications during pregnancy after a FET cycle.
This article is being shared as educational content and is in no way a replacement for medical advice or medical care, it is advised that anyone concerned about their Health should speak with their Naturopathic Doctor. Please discuss with your healthcare provider and only make changes to your medications regimen if recommended by your doctor and under their guidance and supervision.
Reference:
Chen D, Mao X, Zhang J, Wu L. The impact of maternal ABO blood type on obstetric and perinatal outcomes after frozen embryo transfer. Reprod Biomed Online. 2023 Jan 10:S1472-6483(23)00004-4. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.01.004. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36868884.