Sickle cell anemia is a condition caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin protein, which is needed by red blood cells to carry oxygen in the blood. The mutated hemoglobin causes the cells to become shaped like a sickle, the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America explains. Women who are pregnant can have their sickle cell disease exacerbated from strain that pregnancy puts on the body. This can be especially problematic because pregnant women also frequently develop iron deficiency anemia, which can lead to severe anemia in women who already have lost red blood cells from sickle cell disease.
Step 1
Have your red blood cell and iron levels monitored regularly. According to the Information Center For Sickle Cell Disease at Harvard University, pregnant women with sickle cell disease should have their number of red blood cells counted, which is known as a reticulocyte test, as well as getting measurements of their total blood iron, iron binding capacity, and levels of a protein known as ferritin, which is often used as an indicator of the amount of iron in the body. Hematocrit, another measurement of the number of red blood cells in the body, also should also be performed, the Merck Manual explains. Hematocrit levels below 30 percent are indicative of iron-deficiency anemia.
Step 2
Take iron supplements as prescribed by your doctor if you have signs of iron deficiency anemia. Although iron supplementation is usually recommended for pregnant women, women with sickle cell disease should take iron only if they have low levels in their blood, particularly if they have received multiple blood transfusions. This is because blood transfusions can predispose the patient to iron overload, or having too much iron in the body.
Step 3
Receive blood transfusions only if you are experiencing complications due to your pregnancy and sickle cell disease. The Information Center For Sickle Cell Disease at Harvard University notes that these complications include pain, severe anemia or the development of eclampsia. The use of blood transfusions prophylactically to prevent these problems is controversial and could lead to an increased risk of iron overload.
