Managing the Pregnant Woman with Sickle Cell Disease —A Practical Guide for the Obstetrician

Sickle cell disease is a multi-systemic, chronic condition characterized by acute episodes (referred to as crisis), persistent anaemia, organ infarction/damage and a shortened lifespan. It is the most common inherited blood disorder in humans and affects millions of people worldwide. Pregnancy in sickle cell patients is fraught with several complications and often results in increased perinatal morbidity and occasionally maternal mortality. Managing a pregnant woman with sickle cell disease can be very challenging. The following is a short update and guide for the busy, practising Obstetrician in a District General Hospital setting who may be faced with such a challenge.