There were parents who called the unplanned pregnancy consultation line 1663 last July. It was found that their 15-year-old daughter was pregnant and suffering from thalassemia. Due to this condition, she needs to be hospitalized for blood transfusions every 3-5 months because of severe anemia. Both parents were very shocked to learn that their daughter was pregnant and wanted her to terminate the pregnancy. However, an ultrasound revealed that the pregnancy was already 26 weeks along. The fetus weighed 700 grams and was not very developed. The daughter is now receiving prenatal care at a community hospital in the north.
Their worries increased when the pregnant daughter appeared quite jaundiced. The hospital requested another examination. However, the daughter was anxious because she no longer wanted to continue the pregnancy. Her boyfriend had left her, she wanted to return to school, and her family was poor. Her father was the sole breadwinner, and her mother was a stepmother, not her biological mother. The 1663 staff consulted with RSA volunteer doctors to see if there was any way to help.
Uncle Doctor brought this case for us to learn that helping in this situation is difficult because: 1) The pregnancy is already advanced (over 24 weeks). 2) The pregnant woman has a severe genetic anemia or thalassemia that requires regular blood transfusions, which is dangerous for both the pregnant woman and the fetus. 3) An abortion for medical reasons is necessary if it is found that the baby will be born with severe thalassemia. 4) If the baby does not have severe thalassemia, the pregnancy can continue to term. However, in cases 3 and 4, there is a risk to the pregnant woman’s life due to potential hemorrhaging.
Anyone with such a chronic condition must practice strict birth control. Prevention is best because pregnancy can pose a danger to the pregnant woman. If menstruation is missed, indicating a possible pregnancy, immediate consultation is necessary.
Uncle Doctor wants to add that in Thailand, only 1% of people have this disease, but 30-45% are carriers. Those with the disease experience symptoms at four levels of severity: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and the most severe, which can lead to complications such as preeclampsia, hemorrhaging before or after birth, fetal abnormalities, and fetal death in utero.
The 1663 staff followed up on the decision of the mother and daughter after the consultation. The mother decided for her daughter to continue the pregnancy due to concerns about the dangers of an abortion at such an advanced stage, under close medical supervision…
Uncle Doctor would like to conclude by saying that if you have unprotected sex, you should take a pregnancy test 14 days later. If you find that you are not ready for pregnancy, it is best to seek consultation services as soon as possible.
With love and care,
Uncle Doctor Ruangkit Sirikanchanakul