New Delhi, June 2 -- To preventthalassemiain babies, parents - especially those with a family history of the condition - can take several proactive steps. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder passed from parents to children, so prevention focuses on awareness, screening and responsible family planning.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Kunal Shegal (Hematopathologist and Flow Cytometrist Director at Neuberg Sehgal Path Lab) and Dr Subhaprakash Sanyal (Director at Fortis Institute of Blood Disorders, Fortis Hospitalsin Mumbai), suggested -

If the pregnancy is already underway:

Communities with high rates of thalassemia benefit from public education and premarital screening programs, as premarital counselling and genetic testing a...