Thalassemia in IndiaWhat Every Couple Should Know
Newz Daddy Healthcare Updates
Synopsis in Bullet Points
- Meera had three miscarriages and low blood (anaemia).
- A test showed she had beta-thalassemia.
- Thalassemia is a blood problem that can cause tiredness and weakness.
- If both parents have it, the baby can get a serious form.
- Women with thalassemia may have miscarriages or early births.
- Testing helps doctors manage pregnancy better.
- Tests include CBC, hemoglobin tests, and genetic tests.
- Couples should test if they have had miscarriages, low blood, or a family history.
- Early testing can prevent serious problems.
In two years, Meera experienced three miscarriages. Physicians were unable to determine the cause. Her scans were normal, and she had no illnesses. However, her anaemia, or extremely low blood, did not improve with medication. She had beta-thalassemia, a blood condition she was unaware of, according to a subsequent diagnostic test.
Thalassaemia is a blood condition. It hinders the body’s ability to transport oxygen. People experience weakness, fatigue, and vertigo. Because the symptoms are mild, many people are unaware that they have it.
A kid born to a couple with thalassaemia has a 25% chance of developing beta-thalassemia major, a more severe variant.
Women with thalassemia can have:
- Miscarriages
- Early births
- Babies who don’t grow well
- In bad cases, the baby can get sick inside the womb and may not survive
Testing early helps couples make good choices. Doctors can watch and help during pregnancy. Tests include:
- CBC (Complete Blood Count) to check red blood cells
- Tests for unusual hemoglobin
- Genetic tests to confirm thalassemia
If both parents are carriers, doctors can test the baby during pregnancy.
Couples should think about testing if:
-
They had more than one miscarriage or have low blood pressure
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They come from places where thalassemia is common
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They have family members with blood problems
-
They want to have a baby
Being a mother thrilled Meera. In two years, however, she suffered three miscarriages. Physicians were perplexed. She complied with advice, was in good health, and had normal scan results. One thing, though, remained consistent: iron supplements did nothing to raise her blood levels, which were extremely low.
At last, a unique test revealed the truth. Meera was unaware that she had beta-thalassemia, a blood disorder.
A genetic blood condition is thalassaemia. It has an impact on the body’s production of haemoglobin, which transports oxygen. People who have low haemoglobin feel weak, exhausted, and lightheaded. Because the symptoms can be modest, some people might not even be aware that they have it.
Between 30 and 40 million people in India have beta-thalassemia. There is a 25% risk that a child born to carriers will have beta-thalassemia major, a severe variant.
Women with thalassemia may face:
- Repeated miscarriages
- Early labor
- Babies that grow slowly
- In serious cases, the baby can develop heart problems and may not survive
Early testing helps couples understand their risks. Doctors can monitor and manage the pregnancy better. Tests include:
- CBC to check red blood cells
- Hemoglobin tests
- Genetic tests to confirm carrier status
If both partners are carriers, prenatal tests like CVS or amniocentesis can check if the baby has the condition.
Couples should think about testing if:
- They’ve had multiple miscarriages or persistent anaemia
- They belong to high-risk ethnic groups
- They have a family history of thalassemia or blood disorders
- They are planning a pregnancy
Dr. Aashita Jain, a fertility specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF in Surat, emphasizes the importance of early screening. Her clinic offers comprehensive fertility treatments and guidance for couples.
For more information, visit Birla Fertility & IVF Surat.
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