HEALTHIER YOU: Sickle Cell Disease and Pregnancy

BY DR. MARGUERITE BRATHWAITE OB-GYN

The month of September is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Awareness Month. SCD is an inherited blood disorder present at birth. Healthy red blood cells are round and move through small blood vessels to carry oxygen to all parts of the body. A person with SCD has sickle-shaped red blood cells that are hard and sticky. These sickle cells stick together and block blood flow and oxygen in the body, causing mild to severe pain and other serious complications such as infection, stroke, and acute chest syndrome. People with SCD can manage, prevent, and lessen the severity of SCD-related complications through regular care lifestyle behaviors and various treatments. 

SCD can have a significant impact on a woman’s reproductive health. During pregnancy, women with SCD are at higher risk for developing complications, such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) and blood clots, than women without SCD. For some women with SCD, pregnancy can make their disease more severe — and treatments may need to be changed to help manage their complications. This makes it especially important to receive regular preconception, prenatal, and postpartum care with SCD. 

Women with SCD who are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant should try to receive care from a team of healthcare providers they trust, and from those who have experience caring for women with SCD to help manage and prevent complications. 

If you have SCD and are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, there are steps you can take to help you feel your best during this special time. One step you can take now is to receive preconception, prenatal and postpartum care. 

I encourage all women to have regular healthcare checkups. Make your appointment today by calling Innovative Women’s Care at (702) 413-7740 or visit us at 7650 West Sahara Ave. Suite 100 in Las Vegas.