If you have concerns about sickle cell testing during pregnancy in Pune, don’t hesitate to consult our fetal medicine specialist, Dr Tejas Tamhane, at Precious Clinic for Advanced Fetal Medicine, where our team is with you every step of the way.
Sickle Cell Testing During Pregnancy In Pune
What happens when you and your partner find out you both carry the sickle cell trait? Your fetal medicine specialist probably sits you down, explains what that means, and suddenly, you have a flurry of questions in your mind. “What does it mean for our baby?” “Should we be worried?” “Is there something we can do?“
All of these questions are legitimate and if you’re reading this, you probably know someone who is in a similar circumstance or are yourself. As a fetal medicine clinic, we frequently see couples who are at this juncture in their lives. Let’s take you through it in a calm and understandable manner.
What Is the Sickle Cell Trait?
First of all, it should be made clear that possessing the sickle cell trait does not imply that you have sickle cell disease (SCD); rather, it only indicates that you contain one gene for the illness. This is actually present in millions of people worldwide, particularly those with Middle Eastern, Indian, and African ancestry.
The tricky part comes in when both partners are carriers.
(Also Read: Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion Treatment In Pune – Dr Tejas)
What Happens When Two Carriers Have A Baby?
When two carriers conceive, there’s a set probability for the baby’s genetic outcome:
- 25% chance the baby will inherit both sickle cell genes, which means they will have sickle cell disease.
- 50% chance the baby will inherit only one sickle cell gene and become a carrier, just like the parents.
- 25% chance the baby will inherit neither gene and be completely unaffected.
It’s important to understand that these are just statistical probabilities for each pregnancy. So even if your first child is unaffected, the risk remains the same for every future pregnancy.
What Does Having Sickle Cell Disease Mean for A Child?
Sickle cell disease is a serious, long-term condition. Infants with sickle cell disease (SCD) have red blood cells that are shaped like a sickle or crescent. These cells struggle to pass through blood vessels, which can lead to a number of problems, including infections, anaemia, organ damage, and pain.
Despite the fact that SCD is now considerably better treated thanks to medical developments, the illness still significantly lowers quality of life. Although early diagnosis and proactive treatment might be helpful, prevention is always better.
What Should You Do If You’re Both Carriers?
If you recently learned that you both have sickle cell trait, remember that you have choices and that you don’t have to make decisions alone. This is often what occurs:
1. Consultation with a genetic counsellor
The first and most crucial step is this. A genetic counsellor can guide you through your options and help you completely understand your risks.
2. Prenatal Testing
Tests such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis can diagnose sickle cell disease in the baby during pregnancy. These are all personal choices and should be made with guidance from your doctor.
3. Explore Reproductive Options
Some couples choose to undergo IVF with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), where only embryos without sickle cell disease are implanted. Others may decide to conceive naturally and rely on prenatal diagnosis.
For Sickle Cell Testing During Pregnancy In Pune, Consult Us
Finding out you’re both carriers of the sickle cell trait can feel overwhelming, but understanding the risks equips you with knowledge and helps you plan and prepare for the future ahead.
If you’re in this situation, know that you’re not alone. Many couples have stood where you are and found a way forward. As a fetal medicine specialist in Pune, Dr Tejas Tamhane, is here to help you do just that. Remember, prevention is better than cure.
