Is genetic testing for thalassemia necessary for pregnant women?
Dec 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
It is very necessary for pregnant women to undergo genetic testing for thalassemia. Thalassemia is a hereditary disease, and currently there is no cure available. Generally, blood transfusions are used to sustain life. Pre-pregnancy screening aims to achieve the goal of healthy birth and child development; therefore, pre-pregnancy testing for thalassemia is extremely important as it can reduce the incidence of thalassemia in children.
In real life, many pregnant women experience anemia during pregnancy, which in severe cases may endanger fetal growth and development. Is thalassemia gene testing necessary for pregnant women?
Is Thalassemia Gene Testing Necessary for Pregnant Women?
Yes, thalassemia gene testing for pregnant women is highly necessary. Thalassemia is a genetic disorder, and currently there is no cure available. Generally, lifelong blood transfusions are required to sustain life. Pre-pregnancy screening aims at achieving healthy births and better child development, making pre-pregnancy thalassemia testing extremely important in reducing the incidence of thalassemia in children.
If a woman with thalassemia becomes pregnant, severe anemia may lead to a series of clinical symptoms. For example, after physical activity, the pregnant woman may experience fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and headaches. Sometimes she may also develop poor appetite, yellowing of the skin and sclera, enlargement of the liver, spleen, or lymph nodes, and in severe cases, hypertension or generalized edema.
The cause of thalassemia in pregnant women is likely due to abnormal hemoglobin structure. If symptoms are mild and no other abnormalities are present, special treatment may not be required, but regular check-ups at the obstetrics department of a hospital are essential to monitor disease progression. Adequate rest should be emphasized during pregnancy, and overexertion should be avoided. We hope this answer has been helpful to you. Wishing you good health and happiness.
