Pregnancy in a woman with Bombay blood group

Abstract

Bombay phenotype is a rare blood group where individuals produce an anti-H antibody, which agglutinates with antigens on red blood cells from common blood groups. The presence of this antibody has significant implications for the management of pregnancy in these individuals, with both maternal and fetal considerations. Few descriptions of pregnancy with this condition exist in published literature. Described here is the case of a woman who was found to have the Bombay phenotype during her first pregnancy. The multidisciplinary input, logistical considerations and planning for possible complications that were required are described. Despite the onset of pre-term labour, she avoided the need for blood transfusion, and there were no adverse fetal effects. This case highlights the unique challenges that pregnancy poses in this condition.