Sickle Cell Anemia and Pregnancy

OMG, im so sorry to hear kanetra! :(

I dont know anything about this - is this somehting that you always have and then have flare ups or something? Im sorry that you and DH have to go thru this - take care and keep me posted.

What did the doc say about taking the meds, can it harm the baby/babies?

Kanetra, i found this article about sickle cell anemia and pregnancy: http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/peds_hrpregnant/sickcell.cfm

I'm SO sorry you are going through this. I wish i could do something for you.

Kanetra- I am so sorry to hear this- What does your RE say? I will say extra prayers for you , baby and DH tonight.

awwww Sweetie I'm so sorry that you are having to deal with this keeping you in my prayers and pls take care of yourself

Kanetra, I have no idea about this but I just hope u feel better very soon and that all ur babies are doing fine. You and the little ones will be in my prayers.((hugs))

Oh Kan, I'm so sorry you are going through this! I will keep you and that little bean in my prayers!!!! (((((HUGS)))))

Hi ladies this is some infor about it....http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sickle-cell_disease

Here is more infor about it everyone and what happens during pregnacny:

For a woman with sickle cell anemia who is interested in having children, it is ideal that she pursues supportive counseling and healthcare before she conceives. She needs both a high-risk obstetrician and a hemotologist. If the pregnancy is a surprise, she should seek medical attention as soon as she suspects she might be pregnant.

Women who are pregnant with sickle cell have more frequent sickle cell crises due to the extra stress of pregnancy. A sickle crisis will occur in about a third of pregnancies. Pregnancy is an intense burden on a woman's body, and this incredible strain can easily exacerbate the sickling of red blood cells. When these cells cluster together, they can build up in various organs throughout the body, leading to intense pain. Furthermore, because blood vessels can become blocked from all the cells, body tissues may be deprived of their oxygen and can die. When this happens, the body's first response is to send blood to be most important organs in the body in order to survive and the uterus isn't one of them, so if a woman is pregnant, her sickle cell anemia can deprive her fetus of oxygen and nutrients.

The pregnancies are at higher risk of spontaneous abortion, premature labor, pseudo-toxemia and cesarean section. The fetuses are more likely to have growth lags, and more trouble with the stresses of labor and delivery. After the birth, all women are more likely to have infections and blood clots, but the risk for sickle cell mothers is even greater.

But don't worry too much. There's lots you and your doctor can do to prevent and correct these problems. Pregnant women with sickle cell are almost always anemic at the first pre-natal visit. Folic acid is given routinely. This is just the same as in non-sickle cell pregnancies, it is simply more important in sickle cell pregnancies. The norm of giving iron supplements to pregnant women should not be followed without lab testing to show that is indicated. Sickle cell patients may be overloaded with iron because of frequent past transfusions. Morning sickness poses extra risks for women with sickle cell. Morning sickness can lead to dehydration and dehydration causes sickle cell crisis. Tests for urinary tract infection will be done at each pre-natal visit, as women with sickle cell are at increased risk for infection.

At the first visit, a pregnant woman with sickle cell should have the following tests: complete blood count, reticulocyte count, hemoglobin electrophoresis (for her partner as well), liver function tests, hepatitis B and C, blood group and antibody typing, rubella antibodies, syphilis test.

You are in my thoughts and prayers Kanetra....((HUGS)) Hope everything turns out!

Thanks ladies for all your kind words!!! I have been taking folic acid for everyday as long as I can remember, lol. My doctors just feel like if I was further along then my chances of not having a miscarriage wouldn't be so bad. I had a transfusion last night, but it did not help any.

OMG, Kanetra...I can't believe you have to go thru this! I am so sorry sweetie..and I don't know much about SCA....so I'm not a big help..but of course am always a shoulder to 'lean' on. Luv and hugs!

Aww Kanetra,

I am so sorry you are going through this sweetie. I had no idea you were going through all this and I promise to keep you, hubby and baby in my prayers. We're all here for you sweetie :) xoxo

Kanetra, you and your little one are in my prayers. I don't now a lot about sickle cell anemia but I am wishing you the best and I am keeping you in my prayers.

Take care.

I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and your lil one(s). I am sorry that you are going through this and pray that everything will be okay.

Kanetra, I am so sorry sweetie. Stay positive!! I will be praying you get through this and your baby will be healthy!

Oh Kan, Im SO sorry you are experiencing this! I hope you soon get some relief, and I will be praying for your little bean(s)

We love you!

(((((((((((((((hug))))))))))))

Thanks everyone!! Galaa, does your cousin's wife have sickle cell disease or the trait? There is a huge difference between the two. If she has the disease, what kind? I am currently in the hospital and we feel like I am going to be here for awhile. I have a ultrasound at about 11 or so, but I am not looking forward to it. I already told my DH that I do not want to know how many. It would just make the whole situation harder. I will keep you all updated on my status and the status of my lil bunny, lol!!!

Kanetra, I will be praying for you all day. Please keep me posted! Try to stay positive. I know chronic pain can be very hard to deal with. Much love and LOADS of babydust to you!

Kanetra, i'm wishing you and your dh the best. I hope the little bunny is safe and snug inside and i hope you feel better really soon. try to rest as much as you can.

Oh Kan, IM SO SORRY TO HEAR that you are in the hospital. I wanna come visit you!!! (((HUG))))

Id bring you some good food... I cannot wait to hear how many are in there- if you feel up to it, make us a post to tell us how many!

LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!((((HUG))))))

Kanetra praying for you sweetie and that you get through this and that the baby/s end up being just fine sweetie!!

Im hear if you need anything!

Lots of love my dear!!!

kanetra- Praying for you, DH and your little

bean(s) Let us know how you are doing--- ((HUGS)