Will My Baby Inherit Thalassemia If My Husband Has It?
Genetic issues Doctor, my husband has latent thalassemia, and I do not. I am currently pregnant with my first child. Will this be inherited by the baby? Thank you.
Dr. Zhang Kunmin Reply:
Hello, in your current situation, it is advisable to consult a physician to confirm whether you have thalassemia. If you do not have it, congratulations! Your child will not have this issue. In the event that you are a carrier, it is important to check whether both you and your p...[Read More] Will My Baby Inherit Thalassemia If My Husband Has It?
Understanding Alpha Thalassemia: Why It’s Often Overlooked in Prenatal Care
Alpha thalassemia (forwarded from the director's mailbox) Why is it that during prenatal check-ups, both partners have anemia, yet the hospital only tests for beta-thalassemia and informs them that it is merely iron deficiency anemia? As a result, when the mother becomes pre...
Dr. Dong Yuhong Reply:
Hello: Iron deficiency anemia is mostly caused by dietary intake issues or blood loss. Thalassemia is related to genetics; if both parents are carriers of the same type of thalassemia, there is a chance that the fetus may suffer from severe thalassemia. Therefore, during prenatal...[Read More] Understanding Alpha Thalassemia: Why It’s Often Overlooked in Prenatal Care
Essential Preconception Health Checkups for Future Parents
Preconception Health Checkup Hello, doctor: I would like to inquire about the "preconception health checkup." What are the "essential" items that need to be included? Most hospitals offer "pre-marital checkups," which do not meet my needs, and I am n...
Dr. Zhang Yongxuan Reply:
The items you listed are almost all included, such as gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and chest X-ray. However, semen analysis is not part of the tests. Generally, infertility evaluations are more necessary after one year of marriage. It is certainly advisable to conduct tests if needed....[Read More] Essential Preconception Health Checkups for Future Parents
Understanding Fetal Heart Enlargement: Potential Conditions and Responses
Fetal cardiomegaly? Hello Doctor: My sister is 14 weeks pregnant. During her last prenatal check-up, the doctor mentioned that the fetus's heart is too large, and another ultrasound is scheduled for next week. What possible conditions could cause an enlarged heart? How shoul...
Dr. Chen Changfu Reply:
Please do not be anxious! Have you been receiving your routine prenatal blood tests, including screening for thalassemia, on schedule? The obstetrician also reminded you that another ultrasound is due next week. You can consult the obstetrician based on the confirmed test results...[Read More] Understanding Fetal Heart Enlargement: Potential Conditions and Responses
Managing Mediterranean Anemia in Pregnancy: RU486 and Essential Tests
Mediterranean anemia and abortion? Currently, a friend is suffering from thalassemia and has recently accidentally become pregnant. Since she is still in school, she is not in a position to have a child. I would like to ask if RU486 is suitable for someone with thalassemia, or if...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Hello: The suitability of using RU486 should be assessed by a consulting physician. However, to my knowledge, there is no research indicating that individuals with Mediterranean anemia cannot use RU486. Lastly, since you are currently a student, I recommend that you practice good...[Read More] Managing Mediterranean Anemia in Pregnancy: RU486 and Essential Tests
Essential Preconception Checkups for Couples: Timing and Costs Explained
Preconception check-ups? Hello, if I plan to get pregnant by the end of this year, should my husband and I undergo preconception check-ups together? If so, what is the best timing for these tests? What is the approximate cost, and what tests are typically included? Thank you for ...
Dr. Wei Fumao Reply:
Please have a blood test first, which can check for syphilis serology, hepatitis B antibodies and antigens, HIV, and screening for thalassemia. It is recommended to go to a larger hospital and inform the obstetrician-gynecologist. It is best for both partners to get tested.[Read More] Essential Preconception Checkups for Couples: Timing and Costs Explained
Why Craving Ice Cubes Could Indicate Hormonal Issues in Women
Craving ice cubes may indicate an issue with the body's iron levels, often associated with a condition called pica, which is characterized by the consumption of non-nutritive substances. It can also suggest potential anemia or other nutritional deficiencies? Hello Doctor: As...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Hello: 1. It is essential to first investigate the cause of anemia to determine whether it is due to nutritional deficiencies, underlying genetic disorders (such as thalassemia), hematologic diseases, or chronic excessive menstrual blood loss. Please visit our Hematology Departme...[Read More] Why Craving Ice Cubes Could Indicate Hormonal Issues in Women
Understanding Progesterone Levels and Symptoms After Ovulation
Progesterone On March 27, I had a transvaginal ultrasound that confirmed ovulation, and I received an injection of progesterone on the same day. It has now been 5 days, and my basal body temperature has remained at ovulation day 24 without any increase. Could this indicate proges...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Hello: 1. If there is no elevated temperature or if there is a high temperature phase (> ovulation 24 degrees) during a menstrual cycle, but it does not last for 11 days, one can suspect luteal phase deficiency. 2. An MCV > 80 is required to rule out thalassemia. Hsinchu Ho...[Read More] Understanding Progesterone Levels and Symptoms After Ovulation
Can Normal Anemia Test Results Rule Out Thalassemia?
Anemia & Thalassemia If a routine blood test for anemia shows no signs of anemia, does that mean there is no thalassemia?
Dr. Xu Junzheng Reply:
Yes, thank you![Read More] Can Normal Anemia Test Results Rule Out Thalassemia?
Navigating Pregnancy Decisions: Seeking Guidance on Abortion Options
I'm sorry, but I need more context or specific content to assist you with the translation. Please provide I'm currently over four months pregnant, but due to recent circumstances, I need to divorce my husband. I do not want to keep the fetus because I believe that once ...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Hello: This indeed puts you in a difficult position. I suggest reaching out to the Social Affairs Bureau or organizations like the Lifeline Foundation for assistance. In Taiwan, abortion is legal, and the main decision rests on your own considerations. You could choose to carry t...[Read More] Navigating Pregnancy Decisions: Seeking Guidance on Abortion Options
Essential Pre-Pregnancy Health Checks: What You Need to Know
Preconception Health Checkup I have been married for six months! My husband and I are planning to have a baby! Recently, I heard about a friend whose baby has thalassemia due to genetic inheritance, so I hope to have a health check-up before getting pregnant! I wonder which hospi...
Dr. Wu Linting Reply:
Hello, routine prenatal screenings typically include testing for thalassemia. A simple blood test measuring the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) can determine if there is a risk for thalassemia; if the MCV is greater than 80, there is no concern for thalassemia. If both partners hav...[Read More] Essential Pre-Pregnancy Health Checks: What You Need to Know
Understanding Your First Prenatal Checkup: Key Tests and Results Explained
Regarding prenatal check-ups? During my first prenatal check-up, the blood type, Rh factor, and VDRL results were not filled in on my maternal handbook. Does this mean these tests were not performed, or will the results for these three tests come out later, perhaps by the second ...
Dr. Wu Linting Reply:
The first prenatal check-up includes a complete blood test, blood type and Rh(D) factor testing, syphilis screening, and a routine urinalysis. After the tests, the complete blood and urinalysis reports will be available first, especially the MCV value (mean corpuscular volume), w...[Read More] Understanding Your First Prenatal Checkup: Key Tests and Results Explained
Understanding Amniotic Fluid Testing: Common Concerns for Expecting Mothers
Amniocentesis Dr. Wang: Hello! I have received your reply, and I really appreciate your answers. I will visit your clinic when I reach 15 weeks, but before that, I have two questions that I hope you can take the time to answer for me. 1. I previously had blood tests for thalass...
Dr. Wang Jionglang Reply:
Hello, In response to your question, neural tube defects (NTDs) are a type of abnormal development of the fetal central nervous system. The neural tube is the precursor to the central nervous system, which differentiates into the brain and spinal cord during pregnancy. For vari...[Read More] Understanding Amniotic Fluid Testing: Common Concerns for Expecting Mothers
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Risks, and Daily Management Tips
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) I have thalassemia with a hemoglobin level of about 74. I'm not sure if this is too low. I often feel dizzy. What should I pay attention to in my daily life? Thank you.
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Your MCV index is 74, indicating Mediterranean anemia. Due to the defects in your blood cells, oxygen transport is reduced, which can lead to symptoms of anemia such as dizziness and headaches. Therefore, in your daily life, try to avoid places with poor air circulation or low ox...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Risks, and Daily Management Tips
Facing Unplanned Pregnancy Fears: What to Do and Your Options
I don't want to get pregnant!! Hello, my last menstrual period started on May 24th, and my cycle is about 28 to 31 days. Although I know it was a risky period, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on June 9th. We used a condom, but during the process, I noticed that th...
Dr. Lin Zhaopei Reply:
If your menstrual period is 4 to 5 days late, you can purchase a pregnancy test kit or stick from a pharmacy to determine if you are pregnant. If you are pregnant and considering an abortion, you may consider surgical options or the oral medication RU-486. If we calculate from Ma...[Read More] Facing Unplanned Pregnancy Fears: What to Do and Your Options
Understanding Genetic Counseling for Mediterranean Anemia in Couples
Genetic counseling If one spouse is a carrier of thalassemia (Mediterranean anemia) and the other spouse is not, is there a possibility of inheritance, and what is the probability?
Dr. Wang Hanzhou Reply:
The probability of passing on the trait to the offspring is 1/2 for a recessive carrier and 1/2 for a completely normal individual (AA Bb → AB AB Ab Ab). There is no possibility of severe thalassemia, so there is no need to worry.[Read More] Understanding Genetic Counseling for Mediterranean Anemia in Couples