QuestionMe and my husband have the same blood type O+. My question is does that have anything to do with me having problems conceiving.
AnswerDear Erika,
There should not be a problem with conception for you and your husband based on you having the same blood type. There would be more of a chance of an incompatibility issue if your husband had blood type A, B, or AB.
Blood Type O carries anti-A and anti-B antibodies and rejects anything with an A-like or B-like antigen. Type A carries anti-B antibodies, and Type B carries anti-A antibodies. Only Type AB carries no anti-blood type antibodies, which is why Type AB individuals can receive blood transfusions from anybody.
Several studies conducted over the past forty years have concluded that infertility and habitual miscarriage may be the result of antibodies in the woman's vaginal secretions reacting with blood type antigens in the man's sperm. In one of these studies, it was determined that the majority of miscarriages were of Type A or Type B fetuses, caused as the result of incompatibility with Type O mothers who produced anti-A and anti-B antibodies. HOWEVER, many couples with different blood types have perfectly healthy pregnancies and babies. So, this possibility is exactly that - a possible reason for issues concerning multiple miscarriages and/or infertility in couples with different blood types.
However, as I said, this wouldn't be the case for you and your husband. Blood type incompatibility should have no bearing on conception or maintaining a pregnancy for you.
I hope this answers your question. I wish you both good luck in your efforts and I'll have a good thought for you. Have a happy Christmas season!
Brenda
