Thalassemia > Pregnancy > Nutritional needs

Nutritional needs

Pregnant women are routinely given prenatal vitamin supplements by their OB/GYN. Many of these supplements contain iron. Prenatal vitamins containing iron should be avoided by the pregnant woman with thalassemia, for whom iron overload is a concern.

Folate : Folate (folic acid) is important for cell growth and division. Therefore, during pregnancy the demand for folate increases. Folate supplementation is suggested for one month prior to conception and through the 8th week of gestation, at a minimum. This is thought to help prevent megaloblastic anemia (anemia marked by large, immature red blood cells) in women with thalassemia.

Vitamin C : Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is administered during iron chelation (usually 100 to 250 mg with each session of chelation) to enhance the removal of iron. High doses of ascorbic acid can release a large amount of ionized iron and actually cause tissue damage, particularly in the heart. Ascorbic acid should be continued with chelation during pregnancy. Larger doses should be avoided.

The health of the mother with thalassemia is inter-related to the health of her developing baby. Therefore, the importance of comprehensive thalassemia care throughout pregnancy can not be over-emphasized. In addition, the perinatologist and genetic counselor are available to address issues related specifically to the health of the baby.