TITLE:
Managing the Pregnant Woman with Sickle Cell Disease—A Practical Guide for the Obstetrician
AUTHORS:
Papa Essilfie
KEYWORDS:
SCD-Sickle Cell Disease, BUE & CR-Blood Urea, Electrolytes and Creatinine, LFT-Liver Function Tests, CTPA-Computerized Pulmonary Angiogram, FAS-Foetal Anomaly Scan, ACS-Acute Chest Syndrome RCOG VTE Score-Royal College of Obstetricians/Gynaecologists Thromboembolism Score, MEOWS-Modified Enhanced Warning Score, MDT-Multidisciplinary Team, NSAIDS-Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.16 No.2,
February
3,
2026
ABSTRACT: 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.