There is an important distinction that should be understood concerning alpha trait. There are 4 alpha genes, whereas there are only two beta genes. When one has one alpha thal gene, it is called silent carrier state. Two alpha thal genes produce alpha thal trait. Three alpha thal genes result in a thalassemia much like beta intermedia, including the potential for transfusion dependency. Four alpha thal genes result in the production of no useful hemoglobin and the baby usually miscarries or dies at birth. The only treatment is prenatal transfusion of the fetus. This is very rare.
fairytale, the possibilities depend on how many alpha genes you and your fiance carry. If you are just a carrier (one gene) and your fiance is also a carrier, your child could possibly inherit two alpha and one beta genes. The odds of this are small but the possibility exists. The concern is that when two or more alpha genes are present along with one beta thal gene, it can lead to thal intermedia, although it may likely be that the child would be more like a beta minor. Sometimes, the patient will have few if any symptoms and sometimes it behaves more like regular thal intermedia. At this point it is not something that can be predicted. If either of you carries more than one alpha gene, the odds of passing on alpha increases.
The government of Cyprus is being very diligent in its efforts to keep thal from propagating. This became necessary because so much of the population carries thal genes. As a result, testing is now required before marriage, so that couples can make intelligent and informed choices about how to proceed in planning pregnancies. Although not mandatory, abortions of thal major fetuses are strongly recommended. These policies have greatly decreased the amount of majors being born in Cyprus. Whether one approves of abortion or not, this is how it is there. The economic reality of financing treatment for large amounts of thals has forced Cyprus into a tough pragmatic policy. When there are hundreds and even thousands of patient to treat, education, testing and prevention become key elements in reducing the amount of thal births and thusly, the total cost of care. Advances in thal treatment have also led to an explosion in the cost of thal care. This will undoubtedly force countries to become very proactive concerning the prevention of thal. Education, awareness and testing all have important roles. Never underestimate the impact that we, the online community can have in raising awareness about thal.