Growing awareness

Liu had consulted experts at several obstetrics and gynecology departments in Beijing, but different doctors gave her different diagnoses, along with a range of suggestions regarding the types and timing of tests during her pregnancy.

"Like many patients, I have no medical education, so we search for the relevant knowledge and information online. I regard the doctors' words as authoritative, but their differing advice confused me," she said.

"I have always thought Beijing has the best medical resources, but not many doctors here have a really good understanding of rare blood."

Joining the group has eased her concerns. If her child inherits her rare blood type, her only worry for a boy would be heavy injuries, while a daughter may eventually face problems during pregnancy and childbirth.

"If I have a daughter, then maybe when she reaches the age of pregnancy, we will know more about such blood types and the treatment of symptoms related to pregnant women," Liu said.

Zhang Wenjing became a mother in April. She learned about her Rh-negative status in October 2018 and made her first blood donation in June last year.

The 28-year-old, who works in Beijing, knew nothing about the effect her blood group could have on her pregnancy, so she joined the rare blood group after being introduced by a friend.

Later, realizing that her blood type might cause problems, she had an obstetrics and gynecology test in Beijing. That's in direct contrast to one of her friends in her hometown in Hubei province, who also has "panda blood". The local hospitals are afraid to accept the woman, who is pregnant, because they are concerned that her blood type could spell trouble.

"In the early stages, my panic and fear were completely prompted by not understanding (about her blood type), so it's important that people learn more about the science related to blood. If women know they have Rh-negative blood, but don't know how it could affect their pregnancy, then they will be at a disadvantage if an emergency occurs," Zhang said.

In the event, she gave birth to a daughter without any problems, although her family had made full preparations for common problems such as blood loss and excessive bleeding. The baby follows her father in not having a rare blood type.

"I didn't feel anxious when I tested my daughter's blood, and even if she had a rare type, I would not have been afraid because I already have the relevant knowledge. Meanwhile, my family and I are actively donating blood, and I believe that the increase in mutual aid across society will make people with the same blood group feel more secure," Zhang said.