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Pregnancy Health -
Questions
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What is thalassemia?Thalassemia is a type of anemia that occurs most often in people Mediterranean descent. The body doesn't produce enough globulin, which makes up red blood cells, and anemia results. If you have a family history of thalassemia, tell your doctor.
What is sickle cell anemia?
Sickle cell anemia occurs when a person's bone marrow makes abnormal red blood cells. It occurs most often in people of African or Mediterranean descent.
How do I know if I have sickle cell anemia?
Your doctor can perform a blood test to see if you have this disease.
Doesn't sickle cell anemia also cause pain?
Yes, a sickle crisis can cause pain in the abdomen or limbs. This can happen at any time, not just during pregnancy.
Are there any other problems with sickle cell anemia?
In addition to pain, a mother-to-be can suffer more frequent infections. Risks to the fetus include miscarriage and stillbirth.
What about using hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell disease? Can a pregnant woman take it?
Hydroxyurea is the first effective treatment of sickle cell anemia. It reduces some of the excruciating pain, but its use carries some risk. Because we do not know the long-term effects, pregnant women should not use it.
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