In the past, we have spoken about the tests that you will require both prior to and during IVF treatment, However, one of the important ones that people are surprised by is the blood group.
The majority of fertility clinics will ask for your blood group. Some will suggest it’s vital when selecting an egg donor and some will suggest it isn’t. if you decide not to tell your child that you used an egg donor and the blood group is different, then should your child need treatment in the future, this could be a way of them finding out.
The RH factor
You also need to keep in mind the Rh factor, also known as the Rhesus factor. If an Rh-negative woman falls pregnant with an Rh positive child, then her antibodies will most likely attack the child’s blood cells. These cells could swell and then rupture. The recommendation is to have an egg donor and fathers blood type that match or can combine to create similar blood types that would have been created naturally by both intended parents. The same applies when selecting a sperm donor.
Finding out your blood group
But how do you learn your blood group? In many countries, this is something that is available from birth but in the UK, it’s not so easy. I checked with my mother and she didn’t know, nor was it written on my NHS card. If you’re in the UK, then you have 2 options, either give blood or go private. There are many companies now that will either send you a home testing kit, arrange an appointment at a clinic for you or even arrange for a nurse to visit you at home. Medichecks is one such company that offers the last two options. Home Health UK can send you the kit. Home testing is great if you aren’t too squeamish.
The advice we would give is that if you are considering IVF treatment, then be sure you learn your blood group beforehand. If you can do this, then it’s one less thing on the list to do.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.
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