Which blood group?

[Badvoc123]

How do you find out what blood group you are? Thanks!

Pointless, yes. Rhesus negative mothers if carrying a Rhesus + baby can develop antibodies which then cause a problem to the baby after birth.

Most people will never need to know their blood group.
In dire emergencies everybody is given O- blood (v v precious stuff - consider donating, Pointless ), and for, say, planned surgery it will get checked and than another sample taken just prior to surgery to 'crossmatch' with the actual transfusions that might be given.

The actual 'markers' in blood are far more complex than A/B/0 and Rh- or Rh+, so before actually giving blood to a person they and they unit of blood to be transfused will be matched in the lab.

Having a parent with O- is not in itself a reason to have your blood group tested for. it accounts for about 11% of the UK donor population.
This changes over time: I am A-, which now comprises 7% of the UK donors. But back when I first gave blood in 1981 A- was much rarer and only comprised 3%. I was told (in writing) that in emergency situations (eg major accident) I might be contacted directly to give an immediate donation. never happened to me, but I know other A- donors who got the call and had police cars turn up at their houses and drive them to hospital to give blood.

You are right, but every woman when pregnant will get her blood group checked. More vigilance is needed then a Rh- mother carries a Rh+ child (when dad is Rh+).

I have donated many times but haven't since being pregnant - I should start again. Do they let you if you are breastfeeding?

Yes, you can donate when you are BFing (maybe not at the same time ) - the Scottish Transfusion Service asks you to wait until you are as many weeks postnatal as your pregnancy lasted to ensure iron stores are restored postnatally.

Yep, had test in pregnancy - am rhesus negative. Am also a blood donor.

Was told dc blood group when they were born - can remember one is negative, one positive, but can't remember which!

I am A- I don't know about the dc as dh is O- so I dodged the anti thingie injection which I am glad about- I had one after a miscarriage (different partner) and it hurt like mad.

My mum is O-, so I was tested at birth and have always known I am too.

I was told both DSs blood groups at birth, as I needed anti d (both rhesus positive).

I'm AB- , found out when pregnant. DD is B + .

hugoagogo

Your dc will be O- or A-.

I only know mine from donating blood, and it isn't what my mum claimed it 'must be'.