Welcome back to our Blood & Baby Series. In Week 1, we discussed the Rhesus (Rh) Factor in pregnancy. This week, we focus on Blood Groups and Cross-Matching in Pregnancy , a critical step in keeping mothers and babies safe during childbirth and emergencies.

What Are Blood Groups?

Human blood is divided into four main groups:

• A
• B
• AB
• O

Each group is further classified as Rh-positive or Rh-negative, depending on whether the Rhesus factor protein is present.

Blood groups are important because they determine who can safely donate or receive blood.

Why Are Blood Groups Important in Pregnancy?

• During pregnancy and delivery, a mother may lose blood.
• If a blood transfusion is needed, doctors must ensure the blood given matches her group.
• Giving mismatched blood can cause serious reactions that put both mother and baby at risk.

Knowing your blood group early helps your care team prepare for emergencies.

What is Cross-Matching?

Cross-matching is a safety test doctors do before giving a blood transfusion.

It involves:

1. Mixing a small sample of the mother’s blood with the donor’s blood.
2. Checking under a microscope to see if the two samples are compatible.
3. Only using blood that shows no reaction.

This ensures the blood given is safe and will not harm the mother.

When is Cross-Matching Needed?

• Before delivery, especially if there is a risk of heavy bleeding.
• During emergency situations, such as:
  • Complications in labor
  • Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
  • Surgery (like caesarean section)
• For the newborn, if a baby needs a transfusion due to anemia or other conditions.

Key Takeaways for Mothers

• Ask your doctor about your blood group during your first antenatal visit.
• If you are high risk, your doctor may arrange to have blood on standby before delivery.
• Cross-matching ensures safety during emergencies, trust your care team to take these precautions.

Coming Up Next

In Week 3 of Blood & Baby, we will talk about Blood Donation and Transfusions for Newborns, why donations matter, and how they save tiny lives.

Stay tuned and share this knowledge with another expectant mother.