Thalassemia > Pregnancy > Maternal Thalassemia Risks

Risks Related to Maternal Thalassemia

Some studies have reported that chronic maternal anemia can lead to a deficiency of oxygen circulation to the fetus. Such hypoxia can be associated with an increased chance for slowed fetal growth in utero, pregnancy loss, and preterm labor and delivery. Other studies in which maternal anemia was well managed did not report evidence of an increased risk for these complications. This emphasizes again the importance of continued thalassemia care throughout pregnancy.
Women with thalassemia tend to be smaller in stature than their brothers and sisters without thalassemia. The correspondingly small pelvic bones in some women with thalassemia may contribute to the increased chance for a cesarian delivery, which was noted to be the only obstetrical complication in these women.

While any woman can develop diabetes, women with thalassemia have a higher chance of this due to iron overload. Maternal diabetes, particularly the insulin-dependent type, is known to increase the risk for birth defects. The risk for prenatal and neonatal complications, including perinatal loss, is also increased with maternal diabetes. Good control of blood sugar levels, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy, and close follow-up by a perinatologist throughout pregnancy is known to help to reduce these risks.