World Thalassemia Day 2026: Here's why Mumbai doctors are urging couples to opt for screening before pregnancy

Mumbai doctors say there is a need for Indian couples to go through thalassemia screening and haemoglobin electrophoresis tests and genetic counselling if needed as an essential part of fertility and pregnancy planningThe health experts say that while many couples undergo fertility treatment and IVF procedures awareness regarding inherited genetic conditions remains limited Timely screening counselling and advanced reproductive technologies can help couples better understand genetic risks and ensure healthier pregnanciesEvery year World Thalassemia Day is observed on May 8 to create awareness about the blood disorder While people may know of it their connection to pregnancy needs to be in the spotlightThalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body is unable to produce healthy hemoglobin leading to low red blood cell counts and anaemia It is mainly caused when both parents carry the faulty thalassemia gene and pass it on to their child The symptoms include weakness fatigue pale skin delayed growth breathlessness frequent infections and an enlarged spleen If severe forms like thalassemia major are not managed properly they can lead to complications such as bone deformities heart problems liver damage iron overload and the need for lifelong blood transfusions Many inherited conditions including thalassemia and other blood disorders may not show symptoms in carriers causing couples to remain unaware until complications arise during pregnancy or after childbirth So blood tests and genetic evaluations before conception can help identify risks early and allow couples to explore safer reproductive choices said Dr Surabhi Siddhartha Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital Kharghar Navi MumbaiDr Surabhi further said ldquoMany women come for pregnancy care without awareness about carrier screening and in some cases the diagnosis happens only after repeated miscarriages pregnancy complications or the birth of a child with a serious genetic disorder Conditions such as thalassemia can lead to lifelong blood transfusions growth problems weakness organ damage and emotional as well as financial stress for families This is why preconception counselling and genetic testing are becoming extremely important today as simple screening before pregnancy can help couples understand risks early and plan for a healthier futurerdquoDr Rita Modi Senior IVF Consultant at Motherhood Fertility and IVF Kharghar Navi Mumbai aid ldquoMany couples approach fertility treatment with the hope of conceiving successfully but very few understand the importance of genetic counselling before pregnancy Routine thalassemia carrier screening is simple feasible and not very expensive Screening is recommended especially in couples from endemic regions Individuals with persistent anemia or abnormal hemoglobin levels and couples undergoing IVF treatment It is concerning because carriers usually appear completely healthy and may not have any symptoms We perform HPLChaemoglobin electrophoresis tests to identify carrier status If needed genetic counselling helps couples understand their risks evaluate family history and make informed decisions before starting a family Today Dr Modi adds that advanced reproductive technologies allow the health experts to not only to help couples conceive but also to reduce the chances of passing serious hereditary conditions to the next generation Through carrier screening prenatal diagnosis and techniques such as genetic testing of embryos during IVF couples can better understand their reproductive options Unfortunately many people still seek genetic testing only after facing pregnancy loss or complications Awareness regarding premarital and preconception screening is extremely important especially in highrisk populations A simple test done at the right time can make a significant difference in ensuring healthier future generations she concludes