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Can B+ and O− parents have a B-ve blood group child?

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My father’s blood group is B positive, and my mother’s blood group is O negative. But mine, their daughter, is B negative.

Can you please explain this for us?

Answered by Dr. Khushbu Chaudhari

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Khushbu is a compassionate specialist in obstetrics and gynecology with a focus on women’s health across all life stages. She has expertise in managing high-risk pregnancies, menstrual disorders, fertility issues, and preventive gynecological care. Dr. Husenali is committed to providing supportive, evidence-based treatment that empowers women to make informed health decisions with confidence and comfort.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to the icliniq.com

I understand your concern.

This scenario presents an interesting case study in blood group inheritance. Your father's B-positive blood type indicates the presence of both B and rhesus D antigen-positive alleles (B RhD+). Further, your mother's O-negative blood type signifies the presence of two O alleles (OO RhD-). However, yours exhibits a B-negative blood type, seemingly defying conventional inheritance patterns.

The possible explanations for this may be:

  1. Rh factor mismatch: In Rh-incompatible pregnancies, the RhD-negative mother can develop antibodies against the RhD-positive baby's blood. However, the daughter's B-negative blood implies she inherited the RhD-negative allele from her mother, preventing RhD incompatibility and its associated complications.

  2. Father's genotype: The father must be a carrier of both B and O alleles (BO RhD+) to explain the daughter's blood type. This is because:

    • The mother can only pass on the O allele to her offspring.

    • The daughter's B-negative blood indicates receiving the B allele from her father.

    • The father's B-positive blood implies the presence of at least one B allele.

  3. Incomplete dominance: The B allele is typically dominant over the O allele. However, in rare instances, incomplete dominance might occur, where the B allele does not completely suppress the expression of the O allele, leading to the B-negative phenotype.

I recommend that you consult with a medical professional or genetic counselor to provide a more definitive explanation and address any potential implications. They can analyze the specific blood types, medical history, and relevant genetic testing (if available) to offer a tailored interpretation and address any concerns.

I hope this answers your query.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 7, 2025
Reviewed At July 21, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Khushbu is a compassionate specialist in obstetrics and gynecology with a focus on women’s health across all life stages. She has expertise in managing high-risk pregnancies, menstrual disorders, fertility issues, and preventive gynecological care. Dr. Husenali is committed to providing supportive, evidence-based treatment that empowers women to make informed health decisions with confidence and comfort.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Khushbu is a compassionate specialist in obstetrics and gynecology with a focus on women’s health across all life stages. She has expertise in managing high-risk pregnancies, menstrual disorders, fertility issues, and preventive gynecological care. Dr. Husenali is committed to providing supportive, evidence-based treatment that empowers women to make informed health decisions with confidence and comfort.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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