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Thalassemia in Couples Trying to Conceive – Risks, Tests & What to Do

Dr. Pujil Gulati, IVF Specialist with over 13 years of experience in Assisted Reproductive Techniques BabyBloom IVF Gurgaon

May 27, 2025

🤔 What Is Thalassemia?

Thalassemia is a blood disorder. In this condition, the body makes less hemoglobin than normal. Thalssemia in Couples

👉 Hemoglobin is the part of blood that carries oxygen.

If someone has thalassemia, their body has trouble making enough healthy red blood cells. This can lead to:

Weakness
Anemia
Tiredness
Pale skin

🧬 Types of Thalassemia

There are two main types:

1. Thalassemia Minor (Carrier)

This person is healthy
No symptoms or very mild anemia
They carry the gene
Can pass the gene to the baby

2. Thalassemia Major

A serious condition
Baby gets both thalassemia genes from parents
Needs blood transfusions for life Thalassemia in Couples

👫 What If Both Partners Are Carriers?

If both husband and wife are thalassemia carriers, there is a high risk for the baby.

What can happen?

25% chance: Baby is normal
50% chance: Baby is a carrier
25% chance: Baby has thalassemia major

👉 This is why testing before pregnancy is very important.

❓ How Do You Know If You Are a Thalassemia Carrier?

Most carriers have no symptoms. That’s why many couples don’t know they have it.

The only way to find out is through a blood test. Thalassemia in Couples

✅ Important Tests for Thalassemia

🩸1. CBC (Complete Blood Count)

Checks red blood cell levels
May show mild anemia

🧪 2. Hemoglobin Electrophoresis

Confirms if you are a thalassemia carrier
Shows if you have thalassemia minor or major

🧬 3. Genetic Testing

Checks both partners’ DNA
Used if family history of thalassemia is known

📌 These tests are simple, safe, and low-cost.

🤱 What If Both Are Carriers? What Are the Options?

If both partners have thalassemia minor, don’t worry. You still have safe options to plan a baby.

🌟 1. Prenatal Testing (During Pregnancy)

Once pregnant, your doctor can test the baby inside your womb.

Two options:

CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) – done at 10–12 weeks
Amniocentesis – done at 15–18 weeks

If the baby has thalassemia major, you will get full counseling.

🌈 2. IVF with PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis)

IVF creates embryos outside your body
Embryos are tested before placing in the womb
Only healthy embryos are selected

✅ This ensures the baby will not have thalassemia

This is the safest option for carrier couples who want a healthy baby.

🧬 3. Donor Egg or Sperm

If one partner is a carrier, you can use donor sperm or egg from someone who is not a carrier.

Baby will not get thalassemia

❌ What Not to Do

Don’t ignore testing before marriage or pregnancy
Don’t think you are safe just because you feel healthy
Don’t hide family history of thalassemia

🔔 Many people in India, Middle East, and Southeast Asia carry this gene without knowing.

❤️ Why Thalassemia Testing Is Important Before Pregnancy

Testing can:

Save your baby from lifelong illness
Help you plan safely
Avoid stress during pregnancy
Give you full control of your family planning

📊 Table – What Happens If You Are a Thalassemia Carrier

Parent 1	Parent 2	Baby’s Risk
Carrier	Normal	Baby may be carrier, not serious
Carrier	Carrier	25% major, 50% carrier, 25% normal
Normal	Normal	Baby is safe

❗ Signs of Thalassemia Major in Baby (If Born Without Testing)

Severe anemia in early months
Poor growth
Pale skin
Needs blood every month
May have bone problems

👉 This condition is painful for the child and the parents

🤲 How to Prevent Thalassemia in Babies?

Always do thalassemia screening before marriage or pregnancy
If both are carriers, talk to a genetic counselor
Plan pregnancy with doctor’s advice

❓ FAQs – Thalassemia & Pregnancy

Q1. Is thalassemia contagious?

👉 No, it is not spread by touch or food. It is passed through genes.

Q2. Can a thalassemia carrier get pregnant?

👉 Yes, a woman with thalassemia minor can get pregnant and deliver safely.

Q3. Is IVF the only option if both are carriers?

👉 No, you can choose prenatal testing, but IVF with PGD is safer to avoid thalassemia.

Q4. Can a baby with thalassemia major live a normal life?

👉 Life is difficult, with many blood transfusions and health problems.

Conclusion – A Simple Test Can Save a Life

Thalassemia is a serious but preventable disorder. A small test before planning a baby can protect your child’s future. If you and your partner are thalassemia carriers, talk to your doctor early. With science and the right guidance, you can still have a healthy, happy baby. Choose smart. Test early. Stay informed. 👶 OR If you need any information related to IVF, contact our Babybloom IVF Centre or call us at 9266046700 to clear your doubt🌸