Objectives
To examine the pregnancies, mode of delivery and outcomes, review the literature on fertility and discuss preconceptual guidance for women with β thalassaemia major.
Design
An observational study.
Subjects
Sixteen women with p thalassaemia major.
Setting
Two collaborating London teaching hospitals.
Main outcome measures
Pre‐pregnancy assessment, pregnancy course, mode of delivery, gesta‐tional age at delivery and birthweight.
Results
There were 16 pregnancies in 11 women. Three of these pregnancies were terminated. Of the 13 deliveries, there were two normal deliveries, one forceps delivery and 10 caesarean sections. The main findings in a further five women seeking fertility treatment were of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, diabetes and cardiomyopathy.
Conclusions
Pregnancy in women with p thalassaemia major does not appear to have a deleterious effect on the course of the disease. No increased obstetric complications were encountered except for the high caesarean section rate, essentially due to cephalopelvic disproportion. A high incidence of cardiomyopathy and diabetes dictates a careful assessment before embarking on ovulation induction to treat the hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism which is common in these women.