Question
What blood type men should O-type women mate with to reduce the likelihood of neonatal hemolytic disease?
Answer
The risk of neonatal hemolytic disease is mainly related to the blood compatibility between the mother and the fetus. In the ABO blood system, if the mother is O-type and the fetus is A-type or B-type, hemolytic disease may occur. If the mother is AB-type or the fetus is O-type, this type of hemolytic disease will not occur. It is worth noting that approximately 40% to 50% of ABO hemolytic disease cases occur in the first pregnancy. It is recommended that both partners undergo relevant examinations at a hospital before planning pregnancy to assess and reduce the risk of neonatal hemolytic disease.