All of us go through the journey of life building up relationships along the way. We seek out people with similar interests and ideas. A healthy relationship is one where one person is able to adjust to another's needs and desires. If we consider the state of pregnancy, the expectant mother has to ensure that her body systems are functioning in harmony always.

This is vital especially with regard to her circulatory system, which is the major link between her body and the growing fetus in her womb. It is the transporter of essential nutrients to the baby and so is the life support for her yet-to-be-born child. Hence, a concordant relationship is expected between her blood type and pregnancy diet.

What is meant by blood type? It indicates whether antigens are present or absent in the circulating blood.

Blood types can be classified into four types-type O, type AB, type A and type B.

What happens if blood type and pregnancy diet are in disharmony? The systems that get affected are the digestive system and the immune system. As a matter of fact, most pregnant women are constantly complaining about digestive issues during the different stages of pregnancy. A few of the problems that can occur are-

(a) Inability to digest any type of food, or rather indigestion.

(b) Frequent heartburn.

(c) Changes in metabolic function.

(d) Build up of acid levels.

(e) Increased levels of stress.

(f) Inflammation or swelling up of the joints.

(g) Clotting of blood.

(h) Deficiencies resulting in a weak immune system.

To go into a more scientific explanation, foodstuffs contain certain protein-like substances called Lectins. Body cells are made up of molecules. These Lectins can interact favorably or unfavorably with the molecules in these cells, depending on the antigen (blood type) present in the blood. Each antigen has a different reaction to the Lectins present in food.

Now only a doctor can provide information about how blood type and pregnancy diet should match. Physicians have come up with certain basic guidelines to link up blood type and pregnancy diet-

(a) Pregnant women with blood type A would be well advised to stick to a vegetarian diet. This means that whole grains, raw as well as steamed vegetables, lentils and berries can be consumed.

(b) A type B expectant mother can go in for oats, green vegetables, beef, seafood and lamb. She is lucky to have a varied diet!

(c) The AB group should stick to smaller meals consumed at regular intervals throughout the day. Cultured dairy products, turkey and lamb can form a part of the menu.

(d) Lastly, the universal type O goes with a diet consisting of vegetables and meat. It is advisable to consume more of collard greens or pinto beans where vegetables are concerned. As far as animal flesh goes, lean beef will do. The fat part of it (when consuming meat dishes) should not be overdone!

The mother-to-be can now get a fair idea about how crucial it is to ensure that her blood type and pregnancy diet are compatible if she wants her child to be healthy and develop properly. The circulatory system is also a carrier of immunity cells; hence, it is critical to maintain an active and fit immune system which can fight against undesirable Lectins in food. Otherwise, the expectant mother is inviting sickness for the entire duration of her pregnancy! And in case the expectant mother wishes to make any changes in her blood type and pregnancy diet plan, she should consult her primary care physician.