logo
'I do 36 blood transfusions during pregnancy' - how pregnant woman survive blood disorder

'I do 36 blood transfusions during pregnancy' - how pregnant woman survive blood disorder

BBC News15-02-2025
''Di first time I see my daughter face, I forget all my pregnancy pain," Kinjal Lathi, from Ahmedabad in India tok.
"I cry, and also my husband."
Until dat moment marriage and motherhood dey always feel like a distant dream for Kinjal becos she get beta thalassemia major disease.
She need a blood transfusion everi two weeks and must follow a veri strict diet and medicine regime.
Added to her underlying health condition na di challenge to born a child in di first place and to carry am.
"E get risks for both mother and child wey dey involved. But I decide to realise my motherhood dream,'' Kinjal tok.
Kinjal do 36 blood transfusions during her pregnancy but eventually give birth to a healthy daughter on July 12 in 2019. She get a planned caesarean section birth wey dey designed to minimise any potential blood loss.
Even afta she give birth, di 25 year-old, "gatz undergo a blood transfusion," she say. She add say at one point she do transfusion and at di same time she dey breastfeed her newborn baby
Di blood disorder no dey inherited by her daughter.
Thalassaemia dey caused by faulty genes wey affect di production of haemoglobin wey be diprotein for red blood cells wey dey carriy oxygen around di body.
A child fit only be born wit thalassaemia if dem inherit dis faulty genes from both parents.
So, if both parents get di faulty gene wey dey cause beta thalassaemia major, e get a one in four chance of each child say dem go dey born wit di condition.
Parents of a child wit thalassaemia na usually carriers meaning say dem only get one of di faulty genes.
How thalassemia change pregnancy?
Kinjal successful pregnancy dey extremely rare, according to paediatrician Doctor Anil Khatri, member of di Gujarat State thalassemia task force. E treat both mother and child.
So rare, in fact, na sometin wey im neva previously encounter for di last three decades as a doctor treating more dan 100 thalassemia patients.
Worldwide e get around 270 million pipo wey get thalassemia, according to di Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Na devastating disease wey dey make patients weak, short of breath, unable to work and cut dia life expectancy.
E get several different types of thalassaemia, including Hemoglobin H disease.
Dis fit dey divided into alpha and beta thalassaemias - beta thalassaemia major (TM) na di most severe version of di disorder, India get 100,000 -150,000 children wit TM, di highest number of cases fo di world.
Some 10,000-15,000 Indian babies dey born wit di disease everi year.
To give birth to a baby in di first place dey harder for pipo wit thalassaemia, gynaecologist Doctor Uma Khatri, wey treat Kinjal explain.
Repeated blood transfusions fit affect di hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenaline glands and secretion of hormones wey dey impact fertility.
Correctly balancing iron levels through transfusions also dey challenging and patients fit also end up wit too much iron circulating for dia blood.
During pregnancy, di volume of blood for your body increases and so also di amount of iron wey you need to support yourself and supply oxygen to your baby. "Thalassemia patients don increase iron due to repeated blood transfusions. Den normally dey take medicine to reduce dis but dem no fit give am during pregnancy as e fit affect di patient internal organs,'' Doctor Uma Khatri explain.
"Usually, we dey call pregnant women for a check-up once a month. We dey call Kinjal everi 15 days. Dis na first-time for us too," Khatri tok as she explain say sonography normally na monthly to monitor a baby growth during pregnancy.
Why some couples seek genetic counselling?
Sake of di additional strain pregnancy fit put on Kinjal body, her husband Naveen Lathia dey understandably worried.
E say e dey "afraid im go lose Kinjal for di process." But following her insistence, despiet di risks, she still wan get a baby so e begin to research. E no dey able to find a single oda case of a woman wit thalassemia major giving birth to a healthy child. "But afta e discuss am wit di doctor, I dey ready," he said.
Following di birth, doctors advise Kinjal to stick to home-cooked food and stay away from crowded places to reduce any risk of infection.
Dr Khatri say TM patients dey at higher risk of infection as dia vital organs like heart, kidneys, lungs fit don damage and weaken dia immune response.
Pre-marital testing of couples and pregnant women plus counselling sessions don become widespread across India wit millions wey dey take part.
Dr Anil Khatri advise Indian couples say bifor any marriage both partners gatz dey tested for genetic blood disorders. "If both get thalassemia minor, make dem avoid marriage if possible, as e mean say e get a one in four chance of dat couple wey get a thalassemia major child," e tok.
Howeva, doctors advise say if a couple wey dey expect a child both get thalassemia minor, a prenatal test fit take place for utero - wen di foetus still dey for di mother womb - at eight to nine weeks old.
If dat test den show say di child go get thalassemia major en some couples fit choose to do medical abortion.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

At least 36 killed in India after explosion at a pharmaceutical factory
At least 36 killed in India after explosion at a pharmaceutical factory

NBC News

time7 days ago

  • NBC News

At least 36 killed in India after explosion at a pharmaceutical factory

The death toll from a massive explosion and fire at a pharmaceutical factory in India 's southern state of Telangana has risen to at least 36 while about three dozen were left injured, authorities said Tuesday. The fire department recovered the charred bodies of 34 workers from the accident site in an industrial area about 31 miles from the state capital, Hyderabad, the state's fire services director G.V. Narayana Rao told The Associated Press. Two other workers succumbed to burns and were pronounced dead in hospital, Rao said, adding that debris of the gutted pharmaceutical unit of Sigachi Industries was still being removed to find out if any more workers were trapped. Nearly three dozen injured workers were admitted to hospitals after Monday's blast, he said. 'The whole structure of the factory has collapsed. Fire has been doused, and we hope to finish removing the debris in the next few hours,' Rao said. Sigachi Industries did not disclose what led to the explosion and fire, but said the plant's core manufacturing infrastructure was damaged and facility operations would be halted for 90 days. The plant produces microcrystalline cellulose, a chemical compound commonly used in making drugs, the company said. The explosion and subsequent fire was reported on Monday in the factory's spray dryer unit, which is used to process raw material into fine powder for making drugs, Rao said. The state's Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha said there were 108 workers inside the factory at the time of the explosion. 'As bodies were badly burnt and mutilated, a special medical team has been deployed to conduct DNA tests', said Narasimha, adding the state government has set up a panel to investigate the cause of the incident. Witnesses said they heard the explosion from a couple of kilometers away from the site. India is home to some of the world's top pharmaceutical companies, playing a pivotal role in the global supply of generic medicines and vaccines. The country's robust manufacturing and cost-effective production have made it a hub for pharma giants. Industrial accidents, particularly involving chemical reactors, aren't uncommon in such factories, underlining the need for authorities to implement stringent safety protocols and regulatory oversight in a sector critical to public health. Sigachi Industries Limited is an Indian company dealing with active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates and vitamin-mineral blends, according to the company's website. It has five manufacturing facilities across India and subsidiaries in the U.S and the United Arab Emirates. Shares of Sigachi Industries tumbled 8% in intra-day trading Tuesday, extending the previous session's plunge of nearly 10%. In a disclosure to the Bombay Stock Exchange on Monday, the company called the incident 'unfortunate' and announced that a thorough site assessment was underway. The factory where the fire occurred contributes a little more than a fourth of the company's annual capacity.

Chilling rise of TikTokkers peddling dangerous ‘cures' for cancer & other deadly illnesses in sick bid to gain followers
Chilling rise of TikTokkers peddling dangerous ‘cures' for cancer & other deadly illnesses in sick bid to gain followers

Scottish Sun

time21-06-2025

  • Scottish Sun

Chilling rise of TikTokkers peddling dangerous ‘cures' for cancer & other deadly illnesses in sick bid to gain followers

It comes after wellness warrior Belle Gibson was exposed as a fraud who lied about her battle with cancer WHAT THE TOK? Chilling rise of TikTokkers peddling dangerous 'cures' for cancer & other deadly illnesses in sick bid to gain followers Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) INFLUENCERS are peddling animal dewormer and other dangerous alternative medicines as "cures" for deadly illnesses like cancer in a sick bid to gain followers. Experts have slammed the tips given out on social media as "scary" and dangerous, warning people not to blindly follow influencers. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 TikTok has deleted many of the videos flagged by The Sun 10 Some influencers are peddling dog dewormer as a cancer cure 10 Experts have said such videos can be dangerous Many people have tried out the bizarre "hacks", such as the "migraine meal" of drinking coke and eating McDonald's chips that went viral recently. But some TikTokkers are claiming to fix serious and life-threatening illnesses with a quick and easy "magic potion" you can whip up at home. Videos seen by The Sun have influencers confidentially telling their followers that taking dewormer for dogs or horses - which is harmful to humans - gets rid of cancer. Others posted recipes for homemade herbal teas, such as soursop tea, saying that they drank it every day for two weeks and it cured various diseases. Many influencers promote supplements that contain the ancient Indian herb ashwagandha - also saying it helps cure anxiety and a poor sex drive. Hundreds of social media users flocked to the comments sections, begging for more information, with experts worried many people will take such advice as gospel. Cancer sufferers are even among the commenters asking for recipes and recommendations to fight their deadly disease. When The Sun contacted TikTok about the videos peddling alternative cancer cures, those that we flagged were removed. VIRAL DOESN'T MEAN VALID Michael Baah, who is a cancer rehab coach, said it is "scary" people are relying on TikTok and social media for health advice. He explained: "The health advice I see on TikTok lately is wild. One minute it's 'walk 10k steps,' the next it's 'eat pickles to cure cancer' or 'bite a lemon to stop anxiety.' "And the scary part? People are actually giving it a go. "I coach cancer rehab clients every week, and I always tell them, if you're considering any supplement or remedy, speak to your consultant first. "Your health isn't a trend, and it shouldn't be treated like one. "Some of these so-called cures like dog dewormer, fermented pickles, or herbal teas are dangerous when taken seriously. Your health isn't a trend, and it shouldn't be treated like one. Michael Baah, cancer rehab coach "Just because something is 'natural' doesn't mean it's harmless, and just because it went viral doesn't make it valid. "If anything, it shows how easy it is to spread false hope to vulnerable people." Often, the TikTok videos point to the online shop in the app where people can buy the supplements mentioned. This advice - mostly from people without any medical knowledge - could lead to patients turning away from vital treatment. 10 Mental health cures are also being peddled 10 tiktokers-cancer-cures-sipplied-via-1004321750 10 A post claiming horse dewormer can cure cancer 10 Some videos claim fruit is better than chemo Other herbs or supplements could also interfere with any ongoing cancer treatment. Cancer UK warns: "One of the biggest risks of seeking alternative therapy is postponing or declining evidence-based conventional treatment, which might otherwise prolong or even save a patient's life." Gen Z particularly vulnerable New research from City St George's, University of London, recently found that 81 per cent of cancer cures touted by content creators on TikTok are fake. It also found that Gen Z is particularly vulnerable to cancer misinformation, as TikTok is used as a search engine and is a key means of accessing health information for this demographic. TikTok told The Sun that the study had a small sample size and only represented a tiny percentage of the content on the app. It said it takes steps to counter misinformation - which is a problem across all social media, not just the video-based platform. If anxiety could be cured by Skittles or cold drinks, mental health professionals would be out of business. Michael Baah It's not just cancer cures being promoted online, but for a range of both physical and mental illnesses. Anxiety sufferers are told to eat an orange while in the shower. Influencers confidently tell those suffering from the mental illness to bite into a lemon or eat sour skittles or sour patch kids to shock their system out of a panic attack. Others said to eat ice, have a cold drink or an ice bath along a similar vein. Some even claimed that eating fermented pickles also helps. TikTok health advice: What to look out for Check credentials Do they have any relevant qualifications? Are they a certified trainer, registered dietitian, or licensed professional in their field? Real experts will usually highlight their credentials clearly, signposting where they qualified from Do your own research Verify the information they share -don't blindly follow their advice. Look for scientific evidence or expert opinions backing up their claims - there are many health studies online. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Keep and eye out for red flags Be wary if they are promoting extreme products, quick fixes, or other unrealistic hacks. Don't trust overly sensationalised or extreme claims. Are they signposting you to a shop online or a service? They could be benefiting financially from this. Michael added: "Things like eating ice or biting lemons are just sensory distractions. "They might offer a few seconds of relief, but they don't address the root of what someone's feeling. "If anxiety could be cured by Skittles or cold drinks, mental health professionals would be out of business. "As a professional, I think it's important we stick to what's proven: science-backed strategies, structured support, and good old-fashioned common sense. "That's what gets results. Not trending audio and a camera filter. It's spreading misinformation "The bigger issue is how polished and convincing these videos look. "It's easy to get sucked in. But behind the editing and engagement, there's usually no evidence, no credentials, and no real accountability. "So yes, enjoy your orange in the shower if it gives you a lift, but don't confuse that with a treatment plan. "Real health takes consistency, not gimmicks." Dr Kirstie Fleetwood-Meade, who specialises in anxiety, agreed. Many TikTok 'anxiety cures' oversimplify a complex mental health problem Dr Kirstie Fleetwood-Meade, anxiety specialist She told The Sun: "Some people may find regular cold exposure (ice baths or cold showers) are a helpful way to reduce anxiety, alongside input from a qualified health professional, as it can help to regulate the nervous system. "Many TikTok 'anxiety cures' oversimplify a complex mental health problem, misleading people into thinking quick fixes are effective treatments. "This can delay seeking proper care and invalidate real struggles of people who live with anxiety every day. "Because these 'health' influencers often lack professional credentials, they can spread misinformation widely without accountability, and sometimes encourage risky or harmful behaviours." TikTok, Instagram and YouTube are flooded with self-proclaimed "wellness experts" confidently informing their followers of their "credentials". Research published in 2023 discovered that 84 per cent of mental health advice on TikTok is misleading, with 14 per cent of videos containing content that could be harmful. It has been found that "personal narratives are often prioritised over research-backed content". A TikTok spokesperson said: "TikTok is a place where people can share their personal medical treatment experiences and build supportive communities. "We proactively provide trusted health information in-app from the World Health Organisation, partner with independent fact-checkers to verify content, and rigorously enforce policies— to remove any content which breaches this policy." They said that their Community Guidelines ban health misinformation that may cause significant harm and they remove this content from the platform when they find it. Some professionals are beginning to adopt the influencer style of content online - further blurring the lines and making it confusing about who to trust. 10 A federal court ordered Belle Gibson to pay a $410,000 fine plus $30,000 in legal costs for misleading and deceptive conduct - a fine she hasn't paid Credit: AP 10 Belle Gibson arrives at the Federal Court in Melbourne, Australia, June 20, 2019 Credit: AP APPLE CIDER VINEGAR One expert pointed to the case of Australian influencer Belle Gibson, who was the subject of Netflix documentary "Apple Cider Vinegar" last year. The wellness warrior pretended to have brain cancer, and falsely told her thousands of followers she had cured herself through alternative therapies and nutrition. She gained a huge following online in 2013 after blogging about her "battle with cancer". Gibson amassed 200,000 followers on Instagram when it was still a new social media platform - a large number back then. CANCER CON I was diagnosed with cancer at 19 and then was scammed by con artist Belle Gibson who said she could cure it By Leanne Hall Belle Gibson is the latest fraudster to have a TV show made on how she swindled people out of money by pretending healthy eating and green juices cured her brain cancer. However, it soon became clear that Belle's natural remedies didn't work and that she never even had cancer to begin with. Starting as a blogger in 2009, Belle claimed she was diagnosed with "malignant brain cancer" and given "six to eight months" to live. However, Belle said she had chosen to withdraw from chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, and instead embarked on "a quest to heal myself naturally… through nutrition, patience, determination and love". With 200,000 followers on Instagram at the time, many of whom were cancer patients, she conned them into thinking she had found a cure. And one of those was fellow Aussie Bella Johnston. At the age of 19, Bella was diagnosed with a paraganglioma, a rare endocrine tumour, in 2009 and was surrounded by older people in the hospital leaving her feeling isolated. So when she found Belle's social media and saw she was roughly the same age and battling cancer too, she was hooked. Bella saw that the influencer had claimed to manage the disease with diet, exercise and alternative medicine and as a result, Bella wanted to follow in her footsteps. But unbeknownst to Bella, the cancer survivor she looked up to was a con artist who had never had the disease. She then released "The Whole Pantry", a health and wellness app. The fraudster claimed doctors told her she only has "six weeks, four months tops" to live - drawing in thousands of sympathetic followers. From there, she also published a cookbook and raked in $400,000 Australian dollars, pledging to donate a share to charity. In 2015, Gibson was exposed by journalists as a fraudster who lied about her medical records and diagnosis. A federal court ordered her to pay a $410,000 fine plus $30,000 in legal costs for misleading and deceptive conduct - a fine she hasn't paid. Her money-grabbing lies went on to inspire many documentaries. What's worse is that she is only one of a growing list of young, attractive and seemingly inspirational women who fake serious illnesses to make money. Sometimes the families themselves are in on the lie - as with the case of British teenager Megan Bhari. Not only were donors conned out of around £400,000, but they duped celebrities including Louis Tomlinson, Taylor Swift, even winning an award from Prime Minister David Cameron. Aged 15, her mother Jean told friends that her daughter - who already suffered from a disease causing a build-up of pressure on the brain - had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. They started a charity, Believe in Magic, a 'Make-a-Wish'-style organisation to bring hope to seriously ill children. Jean herself posted regular updates about her daughter's hospital visits - at one point even raising £120,000 in 48 hours for emergency treatment in the US, saying Megan's tumour had worsened. She even once claimed that Megan had severe sepsis and that doctors had given her only a 10 per cent chance of surviving the next week - but it was all a lie. An inquest later recorded she died of heart failure related to a fatty liver but there was no mention of a tumour on her medical records. The Charity Commission later launched an investigation into Believe in Magic before freezing its accounts following "multiple complaints." Her charity was dissolved after a probe found nearly £400,000 missing from its books. Police did investigate the complaints but said that there was insufficient evidence to take the matter any further. Do you know more? Email 10 The story of the world's most devious con-woman Belle Gibson and how her fraudulent business was finally uncovered was made into a Netflix series

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store