I have it also. There are two genes that are responsible - for simplicity, I'll call them gene A and gene B. So we all know you get two genes from each parent - so normally to have haemochromatosis you have gotten the "dodgy" gene A from both mum and dad OR you have gotten the dodgy gene B from parents. In my case however my mum has neither dodgy gene herself or in her family, but my dad is a carrier for both gene A and gene B. Not everyone who has just one dodgy A and one dodgy B will have symptoms, but some, like me, do.

So this can come from just one side of the family. Basic genetics give you the odds - most likely in this case it is only gene A or gene B that is in the family - but you can probably check on that if your DH has had genetic testing. In that case, baby would need to get the dodgy gene from each of you - so that's a 1/4 chance of having haemochromatosis and a 1/2 chance of being a carrier.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Females don't tend to suffer too badly as they naturally lose iron anyway. I need to have regular bts to be monitored, but I have never needed to be bled. With males it is more serious, but it still usually takes years for iron to get to dangerous levels, and as you know that it is in the family you will be able to have the child tested at the recommended age, and can then monitor if need be.

FWIW, neither of my DS's have been checked yet. It is something I will probably have to do, but my GP is aware of the condition and hasn't seen the need yet. HTH.