Thank you to everyone for your postings, there is lots of helpful information. One of the feelings that has pervaded some of the discussions are known thal status couples having children together.
I am beta thal minor, relatively asymptomatic (usually felt tired after playing three sports games in one day-so didn't know if to contribute it to sports or thal) and my partner is a thal carrier(male). He does not know if it's alpha or beta thal so I worry about beta thal major and possibly even sickle cell co-expression (unknown if we are carriers at this time) in our children.
As I understand we have a 1 in 4 chance of each child having thalassemia- lifetime of monthly transfusions with possible iron overloading, serious meds and surgeries with the new technologies out there.
I am seeking information for specific genetic counselling regarding thal before becoming pregnant.
Anything to look out for, any meds or supplements before, during and after pregnancy that will help with the development of the child?