Due to my Mediterranean roots, I have thalassemia minor. This is an inherited blood condition where the body has difficulty making haemoglobin.
I didn't really think much of it, as I largely show no systems (though do tend to get really tired easily). People with thalassemia major have severe health problems and often need regular blood transfusions.
I got my booking in appointment and first set of bloods taken by the midwife quite a way into my first trimester. She mentioned that sometimes, people with thalassemia are advised to have ward labours as there may be complications if haemoglobin levels drop too far or too much blood is lost and a transfusion is required.
That scared me a bit, and started a frantic googling session (which I know isn't always the best thing to do!)...
I then discovered that ladies with thalassemia usually take a higher dose of folic acid (5,000ug a day compared to the 400ug usually advised). I am now just over 10 weeks pregnant and haven't done that....
I saw the GP today and got a prescription for the higher dose folic acid.... But just a bit bewildered that I haven't taken enough and at a soon enough time...... Apparently my haemoglobin levels are on the slightly low side at 11.1.
Anyone out there with any experience of thalassemia minor and pregnancy? Would really welcome sharing any thoughts or experiences...
Anything I should bear in mind? Is there anything i should be keeping an eye on?
Thankfully, my partner is not a thalassemia carrier, and our little baby only has a 1/4 chance of carrying the gene...
Sorry for the long post...
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Thalassemia minor anyone?
3 replies
leepod · 25/06/2010 13:05
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