Pregnancy in β-thalassemia trait carriers: An uneventful journey

Abstract

Normochromic normocytic anemia during pregnancy reflects the significant increase in plasma volume, which disproportionately exceeds the increase in the red cell volume. In β-thalassemia (β-thal) trait carriers who become pregnant the plasma volume expansion may cause more pronounced anemia because the anemia of pregnancy is added to the pre-existed hypochromic microcytic anemia. In β-thal women, pregnancy outcome and obstetric complications do not differ from the general population. Anemia in β-thal carriers is generally not severe enough to warrant anxiety. No specific therapy is indicated and pregnant women generally require only supportive care with an anticipated favorable pregnancy outcome. © 2009 W. S. Maney & Son Ltd.