Nursing Care of Pregnant Woman with Prenatal Diagnosis of Thalassemia by Applying Swanson’s Theory: A Case Study

Abstract

     Thalassemia is Thailand’s most prevalent genetic condition affecting pregnancy outcomes.  The Ministry of Public Health has a policy requiring all pregnant women to receive genetic counseling. This was the case study of a pregnant severe thalassemia woman and a high-risk couple, who received a fetal Thalasemic diagnosis. By applying the nursing model based on Swanson's compassionate care. At 12 weeks of gestation, the pregnant woman was suspected of having β₀ thalassemia/ Hb E or Hb E with or without α-thalassemia 1. Her couple had a risk for homozygous Hb E with or without α-thalassemia. Therefore, they had a chance of having a child with severe thalassemia and received counseling about amniocentesis. The amniotic fluid test results concluded the fetal homozygous Hb E thalassemia. While receiving prenatal care, she received nursing care using Swanson's theory. The fetus's condition could be diagnosed before delivery, the couple behaved appropriately, was on time for prenatal visits, and collaborated on giving the birth plan. Anxiety was lessened psychologically, and the pregnancy was able to proceed with guidance and nursing following the protocols for every phase of prenatal care.

Keywords: pregnant women, thalassemia, high-risk couples, prenatal diagnosis.