Complications in Pregnant Women with Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease or sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder that is inherited from parents. It can’t be transmitted or caused by any external factors. However, it puts you at a higher risk of infections and a complicated pregnancy. 

Pregnancy in women with sickle cell disease is complicated and comparatively more difficult to manage than a normal pregnancy. But it’s possible. Consult a gynecologist in Navi Mumbai to learn more about sick cell anemia and how it affects your fertility. 

What Happens in Sick Cell Anemia?

A normal blood cell is round-shaped, with the entire cell composed of hemoglobin A, which carries oxygen to your tissues. People with sickle cell mutation have a combination of hemoglobin A and S in their blood cells, which makes them slightly curved. As a result, they develop c-shaped red blood cells, hence the name.

If you have inherited the gene from one parent, your blood will be composed of hemoglobin A and S. However, if you got the mutation from each parent, your blood will be mostly composed of hemoglobin S, which increases your risk of complications during pregnancy.

The curved red blood cells group together and block the blood flow to the tissues. As a result, your tissues and the vital organs do not get sufficient oxygen, and ischemia—a condition where your baby doesn’t get enough oxygen to grow. This can cause a sickle cell crisis, which causes extreme joint pain. There is an increased risk of kidney diseases and heart strokes in people with sickle cell disease.

Pregnancy Complications in Women with Sickle Cell Disease

Pregnant women are likely to experience anemia and painful pregnancy. A sickle cell crisis can cause a lot of pain in your joints. The pain can range from dull to throbbing, causing extreme inconvenience. The pain can last from a few hours to days, and the degree might vary from person to person. You should head to a maternity hospital in Navi Mumbai and get prescription drugs to deal with the symptoms.

Moreover, pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing other health problems, such as infection and vision issues, at later stages. There’s also a risk of pre-term birth, a miscarriage, and a baby weighing less than the average newborn. These complications are caused by the lack of oxygen and blood supply to the fetus. 

Is There Any Treatment?

You might need a blood transfusion at some point in your pregnancy (more than once, sometimes). Pregnant women with sickle cell disease may have to schedule regular appointments with their gynecologists. Routine blood tests will help your doctor identify potential issues ahead of time. 

It’s important to meet the doctor twice a week in your third trimester. If you have been taking medication for sickle cell disease, ask your doctor if they are safe during pregnancy. Your doctor might prescribe aspirin (low-dose) to help you cope with the painful episodes and reduce the risk of blood clots, which are common in people with sickle cell anemia.