Hemoglobin Traits in Pregnancy
What You Need to Know About Hemoglobin S Trait and Hemoglobin C Trait
You're in the Right Place
This presentation will help you understand your blood test results and what they mean for you and your baby.
We'll explain everything in plain language and answer your questions together.
What We'll Cover
- What hemoglobin traits are
- The difference between a trait and a disease
- What this means for your pregnancy
- Why partner testing matters
- Your care plan going forward
What Is Hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is a protein inside your red blood cells. It carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
Everyone inherits two hemoglobin genes—one from each parent.
Normal Hemoglobin
Most people have two copies of hemoglobin A (the most common type).
This is written as "HbAA" or "normal hemoglobin."
Hemoglobin Variants
Some people inherit a different type of hemoglobin from one parent.
Common variants include:
- Hemoglobin S (associated with sickle cell)
- Hemoglobin C (another variant)
Having one variant gene means you have a trait, not a disease.
Understanding the Difference: Trait vs. Disease
| Trait (Carrier) |
Disease |
| One variant gene + one normal gene |
Two variant genes |
| Generally healthy, no symptoms |
Causes health problems |
| Example: HbAS (S trait) or HbAC (C trait) |
Example: HbSS (sickle cell disease) or HbSC |
| Most people don't know they have it |
Requires ongoing medical care |
If You Have a Trait
You are generally healthy. Having a trait is not the same as having a disease.
Most people with traits have no symptoms and live normal, healthy lives.
The trait becomes important mainly for family planning—to understand what you might pass to your baby.
Why Were You Tested?
We test all pregnant people for hemoglobin traits as part of routine prenatal care.
The Goal of Testing
- Identify if you carry a hemoglobin trait
- Determine if your partner should be tested
- Understand the chance your baby could inherit a disease
- Offer information and choices
Who Gets Tested?
Everyone should be offered testing, but it's especially recommended if you or your family are from:
- Africa or African descent
- Mediterranean countries (Greece, Italy, Turkey)
- Middle East
- India or Southeast Asia
- Central or South America
- Caribbean
Hemoglobin S Trait (Sickle Cell Trait)
Hemoglobin S trait means you have one gene for hemoglobin A (normal) and one gene for hemoglobin S.
This is also called sickle cell trait and is written as "HbAS."
What This Means for Your Health
You do not have sickle cell disease.
Most people with hemoglobin S trait:
- Have no symptoms in daily life
- Don't need treatment
- Have normal life expectancy
- Can participate in all normal activities
Rare Considerations
In rare situations (extreme dehydration, very high altitudes, intense physical stress), some people with S trait may have complications.
We'll monitor you carefully during pregnancy to prevent these situations.
Hemoglobin S Trait During Pregnancy
Good News
Most people with hemoglobin S trait have healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies.
Your trait does not increase the chance of common pregnancy complications like preeclampsia or preterm birth.
What We Monitor
People with S trait have a slightly higher chance of:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) during pregnancy
- Bacteria in urine without symptoms (asymptomatic bacteriuria)
We test your urine regularly during pregnancy to catch and treat these early.
What You Can Do
- Drink plenty of water every day (8-10 glasses)
- Don't ignore urinary symptoms (burning, frequency, urgency)
- Attend all your prenatal visits
- Take all medications as prescribed
Hemoglobin C Trait
Hemoglobin C trait means you have one gene for hemoglobin A (normal) and one gene for hemoglobin C.
This is written as "HbAC."
What This Means for Your Health
Hemoglobin C trait causes no health problems.
People with hemoglobin C trait:
- Have no symptoms
- Don't need any treatment
- Have completely normal health
- Live normal lives with no restrictions
Why It Matters
Hemoglobin C trait is important only for family planning.
If your partner also carries a hemoglobin variant, your baby could inherit two variant genes.
Hemoglobin C Trait During Pregnancy
Excellent News
Hemoglobin C trait does not cause pregnancy complications.
You can expect a completely normal pregnancy.
No special monitoring or treatment is needed for the trait itself.
Your Prenatal Care
Your prenatal care will be the same as anyone else's:
- Regular prenatal visits
- Standard ultrasounds
- Routine blood tests
- Normal labor and delivery
The trait doesn't change any aspect of your pregnancy care.
The Important Step
The main action is to have your partner tested to understand what your baby might inherit.
Why Partner Testing Matters
Because you have a hemoglobin trait, we recommend testing your baby's other parent.
Understanding Inheritance
Your baby will inherit one hemoglobin gene from you and one from your partner.
The combination determines whether your baby has:
- Normal hemoglobin (HbAA)
- A trait (carrier like you)
- A disease (two variant genes)
If Your Partner Has Normal Hemoglobin (HbAA)
Each baby has a:
- 50% chance of having normal hemoglobin (HbAA)
- 50% chance of having a trait (carrier, like you)
- 0% chance of having a disease
Your baby cannot have a hemoglobin disease if your partner has normal hemoglobin.
If Both Parents Have Traits
If your partner also has a hemoglobin trait (S, C, or another variant), each pregnancy has different possibilities.
When Both Parents Have S Trait (HbAS)
Each baby has a:
- 25% chance (1 in 4) of normal hemoglobin (HbAA)
- 50% chance (2 in 4) of sickle cell trait (HbAS)
- 25% chance (1 in 4) of sickle cell disease (HbSS)
When Both Parents Have C Trait (HbAC)
Each baby has a:
- 25% chance (1 in 4) of normal hemoglobin (HbAA)
- 50% chance (2 in 4) of hemoglobin C trait (HbAC)
- 25% chance (1 in 4) of hemoglobin C disease (HbCC)
When One Parent Has S Trait and One Has C Trait
Each baby has a:
- 25% chance (1 in 4) of normal hemoglobin (HbAA)
- 25% chance (1 in 4) of S trait (HbAS)
- 25% chance (1 in 4) of C trait (HbAC)
- 25% chance (1 in 4) of hemoglobin SC disease (HbSC)
Your Options If Both Parents Carry Traits
If testing shows both you and your partner carry hemoglobin traits, we'll offer you genetic counseling to discuss your options.
Genetic Counseling
A genetic counselor will:
- Explain the specific chances for your baby
- Describe what each possible outcome means
- Review all available options
- Answer your questions
- Support you in making decisions that are right for your family
Testing Options During Pregnancy
If you want to know whether your baby has a disease, you can choose:
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) at 10-13 weeks
- Amniocentesis at 15-20 weeks
- Cell-free DNA testing (in some cases)
These tests are optional. You decide what's right for you.
No Wrong Choice
Some families want testing. Others don't. Both choices are okay.
We're here to give you information and support—not to pressure you.
Your Care Plan Going Forward
Next Steps
- Partner testing: We'll order a blood test for your baby's other parent
- Follow-up visit: We'll discuss the results together
- Genetic counseling: Offered if both partners have traits
- Regular prenatal care: Continue all scheduled visits
During Your Pregnancy
For hemoglobin S trait:
- Urine testing at each visit to check for infections
- Emphasis on good hydration
- Prompt treatment of any urinary symptoms
For hemoglobin C trait:
- No special monitoring needed
- Standard prenatal care
You're Not Alone
Millions of people carry hemoglobin traits.
Your healthcare team has experience caring for people with traits.
We're here to support you every step of the way.
What You Can Do
Action Steps
- Stay hydrated: Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily (especially if you have S trait)
- Attend appointments: Come to all prenatal visits
- Report symptoms: Tell us about any urinary symptoms right away
- Partner testing: Encourage your partner to get tested
- Ask questions: Write down questions and bring them to visits
Information for Your Family
Consider sharing this information with:
- Your parents and siblings (they may also carry a trait)
- Your children (when they're older and planning families)
- Other family members who might benefit from testing
Knowing your trait status helps your whole family make informed health decisions.
Resources
For more information:
- Ask your healthcare provider for educational materials
- Request a genetic counseling appointment
- Visit reliable health websites (we can recommend specific ones)
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team
About Your Trait
- Which specific trait do I have?
- What do my test results show exactly?
- Are there any specific things I should watch for during pregnancy?
- Do I need any special care or monitoring?
About Partner Testing
- How and where does my partner get tested?
- When will we get the results?
- What happens after we get the results?
About Your Baby
- What is the chance my baby will have a trait or disease?
- If I want testing during pregnancy, what are my options?
- Will my baby be tested after birth?
- What does it mean if my baby has a trait?
About Genetic Counseling
- Should we see a genetic counselor?
- When should we schedule that appointment?
- What will the genetic counselor tell us?
Key Takeaways
Remember
Having a trait is not the same as having a disease.
You are generally healthy, and most people with traits have healthy pregnancies.
What Matters Most
- Hemoglobin S trait: Generally healthy; small increased risk of urinary infections during pregnancy—easily monitored and treated
- Hemoglobin C trait: No health problems; no pregnancy complications
- Partner testing: Essential to understand what your baby might inherit
- If both carry traits: Genetic counseling can explain your options
Your Healthcare Team Is Here
We're partners in your care.
Never hesitate to ask questions or share concerns.
Together, we'll ensure you have a healthy pregnancy and make informed decisions for your family.
Thank You
We're here to support you through this journey.