Fertility Connection

The Blood Type – Fertility Connection written by Ann Quasarano

Research has shown that some of the problems associated with fertility result from some form of blood type incompatibility; either between the mother and her fetus, or between the mother and the father.

The decision to have a baby is a happy one for most couples. But for some, the road to pregnancy can be a bumpy one. According to the CDC, 10% of the total reproductive age population experiences some type of difficulty in conceiving a baby. In our lifetime, science has made incredible gains in reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization, which assists couples in their dream of having a child.

One factor that is often overlooked is blood type. Research has shown that some of the problems associated with fertility result from some form of blood type incompatibility; either between the mother and her fetus, or between the mother and the father. Why would this occur? As you probably already know, each blood type has a chemical marker called an antigen. These blood type antigens protect your body against foreign intruders, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. When the antigen encounters a harmful foreign intruder, it creates antibodies against it. The same thing that happens with viruses, bacteria, and food, can also take place when trying to conceive – the body responds by producing antibodies to the sperm or fetus and inhibits conception.

Several studies conducted over the past 40 years have concluded that infertility and habitual miscarriage may be the result of antibodies in the woman’s vaginal secretions reacting with the blood type antigens in the man’s sperm. In one of these studies, it was determined that the preponderance of miscarriages were of type A or type B fetuses, caused as a result of incompatibility with type O mothers who produce anti-A or anti-B antibodies.

What the scientists seem to be missing is that these anti-blood type antibodies are often the result of provocations produced by eating the wrong foods for your type. By eating foods that are beneficial and avoiding foods that trigger the antigen-antibody reaction, you create a hospitable internal atmosphere for conception and the fetus to thrive and grow.

Blood type incompatibility is, obviously, not the only reason couples may experience infertility, nor does the blood type diet magically resolve all fertility problems, but it makes good sense to approach pregnancy in an optimal state of health. Following the diet right for your type can help to put you on the road to good reproductive health – hopefully, the only bump will be the one on your belly!