Does the surrogate mother's blood type affect the baby?

An important question that worries many intended parents: does the surrogate mother's blood type affect the baby? To answer this question, we have to look into the concept of blood types and rhesus factors as well as the role of the surrogate mother in this process.

A person's blood type is determined by antigens on its red blood cells (erythrocytes). The antigen is a structure on the cell surface. These molecules-antigens are conditionally designated A and B, and depending on their presence on erythrocytes distinguish four blood groups:

the first (I), which is also denoted by O (there is neither A nor B);
the second (II) - there is only A;
third (III) - there is only B;
the fourth (IV) is both A and B (AB).

Rhesus factor affiliation (Rh) can be positive (+) or negative (-).

It depends on the presence of antigen D on the surface of red blood cells.

If antigen D is present, the person is considered rhesus-positive, and if antigen D is absent, then rhesus-negative.

From the moment of conception to the moment of birth, if the donor material is not used, there are three important people:

A genetic mother who provided their oocytes (eggs);
A genetic father who provided his sperm;
A surrogate mother who has agreed to bear and give birth to a child.

It is worth noting that when all the necessary biological materials are provided by future parents, the child's DNA is completely formed from the DNA of its genetic parents, so the surrogate mother acts only as a facilitator in the baby`s maturation and birth. The surrogate mother's blood does not change the baby's blood type or rhesus factor.

However, during the process of surrogacy, it is important to avoid rhesus conflict between the fetus and surrogate mother.

The unborn child`s blood type begins to form with a positive rhesus factor and if the surrogate mother has a negative rhesus factor there is a rhesus or immunological conflict which can lead to miscarriage in the early weeks of pregnancy.

That is why surrogacy programmes are facilitated mainly by women with a positive rhesus factor.

Blog