Thalassemia > Pregnancy > Infectious Agents Risks

Risks Related to Infectious Agents

Screening for infectious agents is an important part of prenatal care for any pregnant woman. Certain types of maternal infection may carry a risk of transmission to the fetus or have other adverse health effects on the fetus. These effects and the chance for fetal or perinatal infection depend on several factors: the type of agent, the severity of maternal infection, the amount of virus or other infectious agent present, the stage of pregnancy, and the mode of delivery. Information about a woman's specific risks can be obtained from a genetic counselor and/or a perinatologist. Although the safety of our nation's blood supply has increased dramatically over the last several years, blood transfusions continue to be a risk factor for acquiring certain infections. Women with thalassemia who are considering becoming pregnant should be screened for all forms of hepatitis and HIV infection prior to conception. If one of these infections is identified, specific information regarding the health risks and chance of transmission to the developing fetus is available. In some cases, preventative treatment or alternative options for delivery may be considered to help reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.