Caring for the pregnant woman with sickle cell crisis

Pregnancy poses particular risks for women with sickle cell disease and their unborn babies. There is an increased risk of spontaneous abortion and preterm labour. Painful sickle cell crises tend to occur more frequently during pregnancy. A district-wide protocol for dealing with crises would help ensure the woman receives prompt, effective, knowledgeable care from GPs, midwives and A&E staff. Careful assessment is essential and hospital admission is usually required. Adequate relief of pain, and sometimes blood transfusions, are the cornerstones of treatment. Health education plays a part in prevention of crises. Care could be improved by more specialist centres and specialist nurses or midwives.