Sickle Cell Anemia and Pregnancy – A Complete Guide for Women in Kenya

Sickle Cell Anemia and Pregnancy – A Complete Guide for Women in Kenya

Sickle cell anemia and pregnancy is of high risk but quality and affordable care can make women able to carry their pregnancy. The risks and safest method of delivery should be informed to the mother.


Sickle Cell Anemia and Pregnancy: What happens?


Sickle cell anemia affects the RBCs, making them stiff and sickle-shaped. This further complicate to:


  1. The low oxygen levels in the baby.
  2. Greater frequency of acute pains.
  3. Higher stress on organs

Risks to the Mother


Women carrying the sickle cell anemia virus can meet the following health risks in pregnancy:


Increased Pain Crises


  1. Severe pain
  2. Dehydration, infection or stress.

Profound Anemia


  1. Complications and fatigue
  2. May needs blood transfusions.

Infections


  1. High risk for developing infections

Hypertension during Pregnancy


  1. Comprising of such conditions as preeclampsia.
  2. May impact on a mother and baby.

Blood Clots


  1. Greater risk through the abnormality of blood flow.

Organ Complications


  1. Kidney, lungs and heart complications.

Risks to the Baby


  1. Preterm delivery (prior to 37 weeks)
  2. Low birth weight
  3. Restriction of growth
  4. Stillborn or miscarriage
  5. Passing on the sickle cell trait or disease.



Read: 9-Month Pregnancy Care Tips: A Comprehensive Guide to


Frequent Pregnancy Disorders


Close observation is necessary in the event of some complications:


  1. Acute Chest Syndrome (lungs disorder)
  2. Severe infections
  3. Placental problems
  4. Frequent hospitalizations

Pregnancy Planning


Before pregnancy, Kenyan women are supposed to:


  1. Consult a hematologist and an obstetrician.
  2. Genetic counselling (partner testing is important).
  3. Check medications (some drugs such as hydroxyurea may have to be discontinued)
  4. Start folic acid supplementation.

Care During Pregnancy


Monitoring Regular


  1. Regular prenatal check-ups
  2. Ultrasound

Medications


  1. Folic acid is essential
  2. Antibiotics in case of high risk of infection.

Blood Transfusions


  1. Could be prescribed in case of high-risk to avoid complications.

Fluid & Food


  1. Proper fluid consumption as a means of alleviating sickling instances.
  2. Nutritious diet, i.e. high in vitamins.

Safe Pregnancy Management


Risks may be minimized with this kind of care.


Preconception Counselling


  1. Genetic counselling to determine risk of transmission of the disease.
  2. Partner screening

Antenatal Care


  1. Regular appointments
  2. Hemoglobin and fetus development tests

Medicines


  1. Folic acid supplements
  2. Stay clear of bad drugs

Blood Transfusions


  1. May be administered in moderate to severe conditions to enhance oxygen supply.

Infection Prevention


  1. Immunization and infection prevention in early life.

Fluid & Food


  1. A balanced diet and good fluids intake are very important.

Safe Delivery Options


Vaginal Delivery (Preferred)


  1. Should be recommended in the absence of major complications.
  2. Less risk and a quicker recovery time

Caesarean Section


  1. Conducted in case of necessity
  2. Should be closely observed because of increased chances of infection and blood clots.

Timing of Delivery


  1. Normally scheduled at 37-38 weeks to minimize risks.

Hospital-Based Delivery


Be conducted in a hospital having the following facilities:


  1. Laboratories for blood transfusion.
  2. Neonatal ICU
  3. Multidisciplinary team

Postpartum Care


Following delivery, it is also necessary to monitor it carefully:


  1. The risk of crisis of pain is high.
  2. Look out infections or blood clots.
  3. Maintain hydration and drugs.
  4. In most cases, breastfeeding is safe (consultation).