Sage-Tips

How is beta thalassemia treated in pregnancy?

For women with beta thalassaemia intermedia, transfusions should be considered if there are signs of worsening anaemia or fetal growth restriction. Furthermore, monthly check-ups throughout the pregnancy, and fortnightly in the final trimester, are suggested to all women with thalassaemia.

Does beta thalassemia affect pregnancy?

Pregnant women with beta thalassemia can develop anemia, which can raise the chances of delivering early. You also may need more frequent blood transfusions during pregnancy for your health and the health of your baby.

How can I avoid thalassemia during pregnancy?

Folate demand in pregnancy is normally increased, and all thalassemic women are advised to receive folic acid supplementation at a dose of 5 mg/day, in order to prevent fetal neural tube defects, as well as a significant increase in predelivery hemoglobin level,130 and in heterozygous cases to prevent superimposed …

What foods are good for beta thalassemia?

Nutritional deficiencies are common in thalassemia. It is recommended that patients going through blood transfusion should opt for a low iron diet. Avoiding iron-fortified foods like cereal, red meat, green leafy vegetables & Vitamin C-rich foods is the best option for thalassemic patients.

Can beta thalassemia cause miscarriage?

β-thalassemia minor does not influence the pregnancy outcome in the negative way significantly.

Does beta thalassemia go away?

Blood transfusions and chelation do not cure beta thalassemia. A stem cell transplant can cure it, but it is a serious procedure with many risks and won’t benefit everyone with the condition. Doctors and scientist are working on developing gene therapies and other treatments to help people with beta thalassemia.

How is thalassemia tested during pregnancy?

Amniocentesis. This is done from 15 weeks of pregnancy. A fine needle is passed through the mother’s tummy into the uterus to collect a small sample of the fluid surrounding the baby. The fluid contains some of the baby’s cells, which can be tested for sickle cell or thalassaemia.

Is milk good for thalassemia patient?

Calcium. Many factors in thalassaemia promote calcium depletion. A diet containing adequate calcium (e.g. milk, cheese, dairy products and kale) is always recommended.

Who is at risk for beta thalassemia?

Who is at risk for beta thalassemia? Beta thalassemia is a genetic disease inherited from one or both parents. The only risk factor is having a family history of the disease.

Is milk good for thalassemia?

How can I get pregnant if I have beta thalassemia?

Often, women with beta thalassemia will need to use medications to help them ovulate in order to become pregnant. Many health problems caused by beta thalassemia have to do with too much iron in your body.

What is the thalassemia minor pregnancy diet?

Thalassemia minor pregnancy diets are not very different from other diets. Like all pregnant women, folic acid should be an essential component of your meals. Spinach, pulses and beetroot are some easily available sources of folic acid. You should also eat iron-rich foods.

What is thalassemia screening test in pregnancy?

Thalassemia screening test in pregnancy is routinely offered to pregnant women who may be unaware of their Thalassemia status. Depending on the results of the Thalassemia test during pregnancy, their partner may also be offered a screening test. Thalassemia minor pregnancy diets are not very different from other diets.

What to do if you have beta-thalassemia minor?

In case you are beta-thalassemia minor, your doctor may keep a regular tab on your iron levels in the body. You may be prescribed iron tablets to replenish the body’s iron requirement in pregnancy. In case you are alpha thalassemia minor, you may have a mild or severe case of anaemia.