How to check if a pregnant woman with Type O blood has antibodies

Patient's question:

No

Doctor's answer:

Generally speaking, if the mother is type O blood and the husband is type A, B, or AB, the child may sometimes develop ABO hemolytic disease (it is less common in the first child). Usually, it is when the mother has ABO antibodies in her body before pregnancy that hemolysis is more likely to occur. Therefore, it is relatively rare in the first child. However, prevention is the key now, which can reduce the occurrence of neonatal hemolysis. During pregnancy, the development of the fetus should be monitored, and after 30 weeks, it is recommended to check if the woman has ABO antibodies in her blood.