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Your Blood Type Might Affect Your Fertility

by Pregnancy.org Staff

Blood TypeIt's not just vampires that are interested in your blood type.

Okay that bit is far-fetched, but it appears that your ovaries are scoping your blood out too!

Certain blood types might affect a woman's fertility. Is yours included in that group?

Who would have thought that blood type is tied to fertility?

In a study of 560 women, whose average age was just under 35, researchers found that those with blood type O were twice as likely to have higher levels of follicle stimulating hormone than those with type A or AB blood.

Blood Type and Egg Quality

Women in their mid-30's with the blood type O appeared to have a lower egg count and poorer egg quality. A study headed by Edward Nejat of Albert Einstein College of Medicine suggests that a woman's blood group could affect her chances of getting pregnant. The study also found that women with blood type O were twice as likely to have elevated FSH levels than those with type A or AB blood. Fertility experts say a high folic stimulating hormone (FSH) indicates having a low egg count.

Does that mean every women with type O blood needs to panic and start trying to conceive right away? Not necessarily. If your master plan includes a baby, it might be wise to rethink your timeline.

Taking Action

You watch your diet, exposure to pollution and your biological clock. This study implies blood type might factor into the "getting-pregnant" equation, too. If it's type O, consider starting to try for a baby by your early 30's versus waiting till later. These tips may help get a baby on board:

  • Make your body baby-friendly with healthy life style changes
  • Use an ovulation calculator like our BBT tool
  • Begin prenatal vitamins before you start trying
  • Have sex regularly during your fertile period
  • Don't delay trying to conceive to your late 30's or early 40's
  • Make an appointment with a specialist after trying for six month to a year
Medical Reference:
- Nejat EJ, Jindal S, Berger D, Buyuk E, Lalioti M, Pal L. Implications of blood type for ovarian reserve. Hum Reprod. 2011 Jun 26.