Risks to the Mother

• Sickle cell anemia is a concern for pregnant women because the inability of their red blood cells to carry oxygen can have repercussions to the mother and baby. Decreased amounts of oxygen in the blood supply can result in a slowing of the development of the fetus. For the mother, sickle cell anemia during pregnancy can involve an increased risk for urinary tract infections, cystitis, lung infections, gallstones and heart problems.
  
  

Risks to the Fetus

• The reduced amount of oxygen in the bloodstream due to sickle cell anemia can result in increased risks to the unborn child. Some complications are the possibility of miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, premature birth and poor fetal development, among others.
  
  

Considerations

• Even though the mother may have sickle cell disease, that doesn't automatically mean the baby will be born with it. In order for the child to have this condition, the mother and the father must be carriers of the sickle cell gene. A child born with the gene from only one parent is a carrier of the disease but doesn't exhibit symptoms. It's important for this person to know if she is a carrier so she can prepare in the event she has a child with another person who is a carrier. .
  
  

Prenatal Care

• Women with sickle cell disease who become pregnant should consult with their health care provider regarding a sound course of treatment. This typically involves more frequent prenatal visits than might otherwise be necessary. The doctor will likely want to monitor the unborn baby more closely for proper development. In some cases, a blood transfusion may be in order. Proper nutrition, including supplemental vitamins, may be recommended.
  
  

Labor

• Pregnant women with sickle cell anemia are frequently given intravenous fluids during labor to help keep them hydrated. They may receive oxygen through a mask. They most likely will be fitted with a fetal heart rate monitor to measure any sign of fetal distress. Births are typically delivered vaginally, unless there are complications requiring a C-section delivery.