Seek Early Care at High-Risk Clinics: Pregnant women with sickle cell disease should prioritize early, specialized care at high-risk clinics. This advice comes from Professor Jennifer Knight-Madden, Co-Chair of the National Sickle Cell Technical Working Group, during a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on June 17. She urged women to consult specialists before or when planning for pregnancy.
Higher Mortality Risk Without Specialist Support
“Women with sickle cell must visit high-risk clinics for preventive care,” Knight-Madden emphasized. “The mortality risk during pregnancy and postpartum is seven times higher for them compared to women without the disease.”
Planning and Support Are Essential
Knight-Madden stressed the importance of planning and support. “Pregnancy with sickle cell involves significant risks,” she noted. “There’s a misconception that women with sickle cell can’t conceive and don’t need contraception.”
Educate Young Women Early
She advised educating young women about their condition. “Avoid accidental pregnancies,” Knight-Madden said. “When planning a family, ensure you have a supportive partner. Seek immediate care at high-risk clinics once pregnant.”
Pre-Conception Counseling Recommended
Dr. Carol Lord, National Sickle Cell Programme Coordinator, echoed this advice. “Women with sickle cell should pursue pre-conception counseling,” she recommended. “Consult specialists as soon as a pregnancy is suspected.”
Avoid General Practitioners for Pregnancy Care
Lord advised against seeing general practitioners for pregnancy care with sickle cell disease. “General practitioners are not equipped to manage pregnancy with sickle cell,” she warned. “Specialized obstetric care is essential.”
Recent Cases Highlight Need for Specialized Care
Although sickle cell disease is not a major factor in Jamaica’s maternal mortality, recent cases in 2022 highlight the need for specialized care. “Some complications were avoidable with proper care,” Lord noted.
World Sickle Cell Awareness Day
World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, observed on June 19, focused on the theme ‘Sickle Cell Matters: Whole Person, Whole Health – Know Your Status.’ This day emphasized the need for understanding sickle cell disease and the importance of early specialized care during pregnancy.
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