R negative blood group: I’ve read that... - Fertility Network UK

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R negative blood group

ray_of_sunshine_ profile image

I’ve read that a baby’s blood type can be tested before they’re born. Has anyone done this? Is it a part of regular nhs tests?

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ray_of_sunshine_ profile image
ray_of_sunshine_
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12 Replies
Jam-master profile image
Jam-master

Hi, I don’t think it’s a regular NHS test, there needs to be a reason why you would be doing it I would think. Can I ask why?

The only reason I’m wondering is if my FET is successful they will have to test my baby’s blood before their born as I had complications with my last pregnancy because I was Rh negative

ray_of_sunshine_ profile image
ray_of_sunshine_ in reply to Jam-master

Just because I’ve found out I’m R negative so want to know if baby’s is compatible or not

Jam-master profile image
Jam-master in reply to ray_of_sunshine_

Ah ok. I knew I was Rh negative when I was pregnant before and they gave me the injections during my pregnancy and after I had my wee boy, but they never checked his blood. I wish they had as, like I say I was in the minority of people who had complications. Can I ask what part of the country you’re in?

ray_of_sunshine_ profile image
ray_of_sunshine_ in reply to Jam-master

Sure, based in the East Midlands. Best of luck with your FET x

Rainbowbaby92 profile image
Rainbowbaby92

I’ve actually had this done today! I’m 16 weeks and was told today at my midwife appointment I was rhesus negative which I didn’t know! She has taken blood today to test the baby’s blood and it’s just to check whether the baby is positive or negative. If it comes back the baby is positive I will have to have an injection at 28 weeks and after birth to make sure I don’t make any antibodies. I think the nhs only do this if your blood comes back as negative as the risk is that if the baby is positive your body will fight the baby like it is an infection... hope that helps xx

ray_of_sunshine_ profile image
ray_of_sunshine_ in reply to Rainbowbaby92

Thanks for your reply, it’s really helpful. I had a load of blood tests at my first midwife appointment before Christmas and then my blood group type was sent to me in the post so that how I found out. I do have my next midwife apt next week, so hopefully it will be done then. Wishing you well with your journey x

ray_of_sunshine_ profile image
ray_of_sunshine_ in reply to Rainbowbaby92

Hey Rainbowbaby92, I spoke to the midwife yesterday and she said they can’t do a test to check baby’s blood group until it’s born. Can you remember the name of the test you had last week by any chance? I can then see if I get get it done elsewhere.

Rainbowbaby92 profile image
Rainbowbaby92 in reply to ray_of_sunshine_

Hi! Oh how strange! My midwife literally just took my blood and said that there would be dna which tells them the blood type from my blood... she’s a nhs midwife so not sure why your midwife said they can’t do that? I’m still waiting for my results though... I don’t know what the specific test is called but I’ve just googled it too just to check by putting in ‘blood test to check baby's blood type while pregnant’ and the first result says the below from the nhs website:

‘It's possible to determine if an unborn baby is RhD positive or RhD negative by taking a simple blood test during pregnancy. Genetic information (DNA) from the unborn baby can be found in the mother's blood, which allows the blood group of the unborn baby to be checked without any risk.’

nhs.uk › conditions › di...

What did the midwife say they would do just give you the injection at 28 weeks? Xx

ray_of_sunshine_ profile image
ray_of_sunshine_ in reply to Rainbowbaby92

Thanks for getting back to me.

I’m thinking perhaps not all NHS trusts offer it... I’m due for my 20 scan at the hospital end of next months, so might ask one of their midwives about it.

Yes, she said exactly that, booked in for anti-d injection at 28weeks.

London_Lady1 profile image
London_Lady1

Yup if your negative they will test baby (via your blood). If baby is positive you get AntiD at 28weeks and after birth they take blood from the cord to confirm the babies full blood type and you get another AntiD. As the test for their blood isn't 100% at 16 weeks you can also choose to have the AntiD regardless. Only other thing to consider is if you have a fall, knock to bump or start bleeding you need to contact midwife straight away to see if you need another shot of AntiD as you and babies blood may have mixed.

I'm 29 weeks and I just keep a little note in my handbag saying I'm negative and baby is positive as well as my midwife details and due date. Just incase something terrible like a car crash was to happen. Can't be bothered to carry maternity notes with me. Although not really going out at the moment anyway.

FYI I was told that the antibodies could impact further pregnancies rather than the current one.

Congratulations on your BFP great news! This isn't anything to worry about. Just something to be aware of. Xx

ray_of_sunshine_ profile image
ray_of_sunshine_ in reply to London_Lady1

Thanks for this, really helpful. Good luck with your journey x

ray_of_sunshine_ profile image
ray_of_sunshine_

The test to identify the baby’s blood group is not available on the NHS within my area yet.

Has anyone had this test done privately in or near the midlands? I’m struggling to find anywhere. Closest is London or Manchester which are both couple of hours away.

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