Thalassemia Patients and Friends
Discussion Forums => Living with Thalassemia => Topic started by: Shimani on January 10, 2012, 09:35:13 AM
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I am beta thalassemic intermediate and my husband is normal. We are planning to extend our family. Would like to know the possibilities on my child's thalassemic status along with the experience one goes through pregnancy with this this disease? I am more concerned about my child's health and is there any procedure which can let us know the status ofn child's gene mutation before the birth.
Andy, I am expecting your suggestion as well ...
People pls suggest me with your experiences as I am very much concerned about the particular topic. I dont want my child to suffer what I have been through!!!
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Hi Shjimani,
Because thal intermedias carry two defective beta globin genes, all children you have will be thal minors. They will receive one thal gene from you and one normal gene from the father. So, your child's health will not be like yours and will be much closer to normal. There are procedures that can tell you your child's mutation before birth, but is doesn't seem necessary, since it takes two mutations to cause intermedia or major.
As far as pregnancy, you should be on folic acid already and if you aren't, you should start before trying to become pregnant, as this greatly reduces the chances of birth defects and is also a requirement for building red blood cells, and should always be taken when a patient is on hydroxyurea, along with magnesium and L-carnitine supplements, as these all work together to enhance the effect of hydroxyurea.