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| Sickle cell disease and pregnancy |
Are you a
sickle cell patient planning to get pregnant, or you’re already pregnant and
need more info about pregnancy and sickle cell disease (SCD)? The impact SCD
has on pregnancy depends on whether your condition is sickle cell disease or
sickle cell trait. In some cases, your pregnancy does not change the SCD in your
body. In others, the disease may worsen, provoking sickle cell crises. This
would require treatment only with medicines that are labeled as safe to use
during pregnancy. Note that women with SCD, kidney disease or heart failure are
likely to worsen during pregnancy.
Your blood
cells should be able to transport oxygen. But with sickle cell anemia, red
blood cells are abnormal and that leads to lower amounts of oxygen reaching
your developing baby. This delays the growth of the baby.
How is sickle cell
disease in pregnancy treated?
If you have
sickle cell trait and are pregnant, you may not experience any complications. However,
your baby will have SCD if the father also has the trait. Experts recommend
that your partner gets tested before you become pregnant or at your first
prenatal visit.
Why should
you pay frequent prenatal visits? Early and regular prenatal visits are so
essential for pregnant women with sickle cell disease. They make it easier for
your healthcare provider to monitor the disease and how it may affect the baby’s
development.
The need for blood
transfusion
In some
instances, a woman may require a blood transfusion in order to get fresh blood to
replace the sickle cells. This method of treatment may be carried out a couple
of weeks into the pregnancy. With blood transfusions, your body can transport oxygen
more effectively than before and reduce the number of sickle cells. Experts
recommend that after getting blood transfusions, you have to be screened for
antibodies that may have been transported in the blood and may harm your baby.
Doctors don't
advise that you take hydroxyurea during pregnancy though it’s usually used for
treating sickle cell disease. Nevertheless, taking lower doses of hydroxyurea
may be okay.
SCD may
affect your baby’s growth. So, it’s important that your healthcare provider
starts testing in the second trimester to ensure that the health and well-being
of your baby is monitored for timely treatment.
Another
treatment method during labour is to receive IV (intravenous) fluids from your healthcare
provider to help prevent fluid loss (dehydration). Also, during labour, you may
need to use an oxygen mask for extra oxygen! A fetal heart rate monitor is required
sometimes for watching changes in the baby’s heart rate. It watches for signs
of fetal distress as well. Most women with SCD can give birth vaginally, except
when other complications are preventing it.
What are the possible
complications and increased risks from sickle cell disease during pregnancy?
· Infections such as
in the urinary tract, lungs and kidneys
· Anemia-related
heart enlargement and heart failure
· Gallbladder
problems, like gallstones
· Miscarriage
· Death
Complications and
increased risks for your developing baby may include:
· Severe anemia
· Slow fetal growth
· Light-weighted at
birth (below 5.5 pounds)
· Preterm birth (in
less than 37 weeks of pregnancy)
· Stillbirth and
newborn death
If you have
experienced pregnancy with SCD, share your experience with us in the comment
section below.
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