What is the genetic probability of thalassemia?

Pregnancy is a joyous thing to celebrate. However, some news like Thalassemia detected during antenatal check ups may break the excitement. What impact does thalassemia have on the baby?

Thalassemia is a hereditary haemolytic anemia disease. It can be divided into mild, moderate and severe thalassemia.  In mild cases, there is no treatment needed. However, in moderate and severe cases, blood transfusion and iron chelation are needed. 

What is the genetic probability of thalassemia?

Some expectant mothers will worry, is it true that couples with thalassemia can not have healthy babies? But in actual fact, even if you suffer from thalassemia, you still have the opportunity to give birth to a healthy baby.

If only one of the couple is having mild thalassemia, the probability of getting a baby with mild thalassemia is ½ and another ½ will be a normal healthy baby. 

If both couples are having mild thalassemia, only one quarter chance of getting a baby with severe thalassemia, and there are 3/4 chances of having a baby with mild thalassemia or healthy baby. It is important to have regular check-ups and consultations during pregnancy.

What is the effect of pregnant women with thalassemia on their fetus?

Expectant mothers with severe thalassemia should pay special attention. If the fetus is confirmed to have severe thalassemia after the examination, it is best to perform abortion because this fetus may be born with genetic defects, which may be deadly. 

It is also possible to have fetal edema at the end of pregnancy and die shortly after birth. Even if your baby can survive, your baby will need long-term blood transfusion or bone marrow transplant in the future.

So, if you have been diagnosed with thalassemia and are pregnant, it is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your condition and ensure the health of both you and your baby.

Some steps you can take include:

Following your treatment plan – Depending on the type and severity of your thalassemia, your treatment plan may include regular blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, or other medications to help manage your symptoms. You should continue with your treatment plan while pregnant, but be sure to discuss any changes or modifications with your healthcare provider.

Monitoring your blood counts – It is important to have your blood counts checked regularly during pregnancy to ensure that your hemoglobin levels are stable and that you are not experiencing any complications.

Eating a healthy diet – A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein is important for both you and your baby’s health.

Managing your iron levels – Thalassemia can lead to high levels of iron in the body, which can be dangerous for both you and your baby. Your healthcare provider may recommend iron chelation therapy during pregnancy to help manage your iron levels.

Monitoring your baby’s growth – Your healthcare provider will monitor your baby’s growth and development throughout your pregnancy to ensure that they are healthy.

Considering prenatal genetic testing – You and your healthcare provider may consider prenatal genetic testing to see if your baby has inherited thalassemia or is at risk of the disorder.

Discussing the delivery options – It is important to have a discussion with your healthcare provider about the delivery options, as some women with thalassemia may need a planned c-section to avoid any complications during delivery.

It is important to remember that each person’s experience with thalassemia is different, so it is important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.