ABO and Rh Antigen Distribution among Pregnant Women in South India: A Descriptive study

Abstract

Introduction: Knowing the distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups is clinically significant, especially in obstetric care, where it affects prenatal screening, transfusion choices, and the treatment of neonatal haemolytic illness. The need for localised studies is highlighted by the fact that blood group prevalence varies by region due to genetic and ethnic diversity. In order to support better maternal and foetal health outcomes, this study looks into the distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups among pregnant women in South India.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of ABO and Rh antigen among the pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in South India.

Methods: This was a laboratory based retrospective study conducted in the Department of Pathology, Vinayaka Missions Medical College & Hospital, Karaikal, Puducherry, India between June 2022, and May 2023 among all pregnant women more than 18 years of age attending the outpatient department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Results: The mean (SD) age of the pregnant women was 26.72 years (4.56). Of the 400 pregnant women, 31.0% were in first trimester, 51.7% were in second trimester, and 17.3% were in third trimester. More than one third pregnant women had O blood group type (38.5%) and A blood group type (37.3%). This was followed by B blood group type (17.8%) and AB blood group type (6.5%), in that order. Majority of the included pregnant women had Rh positive status (89.7%), followed by 10.3% with Rh negative status. It was found that 89.9% pregnant women with A blood group type were Rh positive. Similarly, 88.5% pregnant women with AB blood group type, 90.1% pregnant women with B blood group type and 89.6% pregnant women with O blood group type had Rh positivity.

Conclusions: The present study contributes valuable data to the understanding of the demographic and blood group characteristics of pregnant women in the specified region. These findings have clinical implications for personalized prenatal care, blood transfusions, and the management of potential complications related to ABO and Rh factors.