G6PD deficiency in pregnancy: what to know

G6PD deficiency is an inherited enzyme difference affecting protection of red blood cells. Oxidative stress from an illness, food or medicine can lead to haemolysis. During pregnancy, symptoms such as marked tiredness, breathlessness or a fast heartbeat may overlap with normal pregnancy changes, while yellow skin, yellow eyes, pale skin or dark urine deserve medical attention. The condition may also matter when planning care for the newborn, so include it in your maternity records.

Tell your obstetrician, midwife, family doctor and pharmacist about G6PD deficiency before starting treatment. Ask them to review prescriptions, over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal preparations; do not stop an essential medicine without advice. Report fever or infection early because illness itself can be a trigger. Discuss how the baby's team will be informed after delivery. A Blood Test may be used to investigate anaemia, bilirubin or enzyme activity, depending on the clinical situation.

Seek urgent medical advice for new yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual pallor, worsening weakness, breathlessness at rest, fainting or a racing heartbeat. Emergency assessment is appropriate for severe breathing difficulty, collapse, confusion or sudden deterioration. Mention the diagnosis when you arrive so medicine choices can be checked quickly.

Ask which medicines are suitable in pregnancy, what testing is planned for you, how infection should be managed, and how the newborn's care team will receive the family history.