The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever global guidelines for managing sickle cell disease (SCD) during pregnancy. The move addresses a growing health crisis that threatens the lives of mothers and babies worldwide.
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
SCD is a genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become crescent-shaped, blocking blood flow. This leads to severe anemia, extreme pain, infections, and life-threatening complications like strokes, sepsis, and organ failure.
Why Pregnancy Raises the Risks
Pregnancy puts extra strain on the body, increasing dangers for women with SCD. They face:
- 4 to 11 times higher risk of maternal death compared to women without SCD.
- Higher chances of pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight in babies.
A Call for Better Care
Dr. Pascale Allotey, WHO Director for Sexual and Reproductive Health, stressed: “With proper healthcare, women with SCD can have safe pregnancies. But urgent investment is needed to expand treatment access and awareness.”
SCD’s Growing Global Burden
7.7 million people live with SCD worldwide—a 40% rise since 2000.
The disease causes over 375,000 deaths yearly, mostly in malaria-prone regions like sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Due to migration and longer lifespans, SCD is spreading, requiring more maternity providers to understand its risks.
Key Recommendations
The new guidelines, tailored for low- and middle-income countries, include:
- Folic acid and iron supplements (adjusted for malaria zones).
- Pain and crisis management.
- Infection and blood clot prevention.
- Prophylactic blood transfusions (if needed).
- Close monitoring of mother and baby.
Fighting Stigma & Ensuring Respectful Care
The WHO emphasizes personalized, stigma-free treatment, as discrimination in healthcare remains a major barrier for SCD patients.
Expert Insight
Dr. Doris Chou, lead author of the guidelines, said: “Women with SCD must discuss care options early—ideally before pregnancy—to make informed decisions and prevent complications.”
A Need for More Research
Despite SCD’s rising toll, it remains underfunded and understudied. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are often excluded from clinical trials, leaving gaps in treatment safety data.
Future Guidelines Coming
This is the first in a WHO series on managing chronic diseases in pregnancy. Upcoming reports will cover heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and mental health—key factors in maternal and newborn deaths.
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