Effect of blood type when trying to conceive

[kellyy1977]

I am RH negative (with A neg blood type) and am trying to conceive.  Unfortunately, I have to use donor sperm.  I have not received any solid information on the role the donors blood type plays in the selection process.  Matching the baby's blood type to what my husband and I would create is not an issue usme.  

I understand there is a shot that can be taken to counteract the effects of conflicting blood types, but I am curious as to whether blood type should play a role in my selection.  Any insight you provide would be greatly appreciated

[hkenny]

I am Rh- and from what my dr has said once you are pregnant you will recieve a shot at 28 weeks and though iv during labour. this is incase your blood mixed wiith the babies. she also said if you have been pregnant and never had the shots it can increase your miscarriage odds with the next pregnancy(s) b/c your body would have build up antibodies to rh+ blood from the 1st pregnancy. i would ask your dr if it would be advantagous to have a shot before getting pregnant. it sounded to me like until you go though your first pregnancy your body wont build up the antibodies though.

[zazou]

Sorry that is supposed to be 1 per 10,000 billion doses!!

[zazou]

I worked in Transfusion Medicine and when a Rh Negative women is pregnant with a RhD positive baby, she receives and anti-D prophylaxis which prevents any problems in the current pregnancy and any future pregancies, i.e. you may produce antibodies which may then cause complications in subsequent pregnancies. Usually at the start of the 3rd trimester, you will be offered anti-D. As with everything there is a minor risk, but extremely minimal (the risk of virus transmission is 10,000 billion doses, so extremely rare). I would recommend for it but talk to your practioner beforehand and I'm sure that they will also recommend it as well.

[munter]

I'm also RH Negative and if you are looking for a donor i would look for NEGATIVE blood type like yours. If your donor sperm is postive it means your baby could be positive and if your baby is positive then when it's born you'll need what they call here in New Zealand Anti D injection. THat stops your body producing anti bodies so it wont attack your baby

[JoyRenee]

I think you want to look for "positive" blood type. But I'm NOT entirely sure. This is an EXCELLENT question. Would you be able to call the sperm bank on Monday and ask to speak with a genetic counselor on that?