Baby on board: what you need to know about pregnancy in the hemoglobinopathies

Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2012:2012:208-14. doi: 10.1182/asheducation-2012.1.208.

Abstract

Pregnancy poses a unique challenge to patients with sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia, who often have exacerbations of hemolysis or anemia during the gestational period, experience higher rates of obstetric and fetal complications, and may have distinct underlying comorbidities related to vasculopathy and iron overload that can endanger maternal health. Optimal management of pregnant women with hemoglobinopathies requires both an understanding of the physiologic demands of pregnancy and the pathophysiology of disease-specific complications of inherited blood disorders. A multidisciplinary team of expert hematologists and high-risk obstetricians is therefore essential to ensuring appropriate antenatal maternal screening, adequate fetal surveillance, and early recognition of complications. Fortunately, with integrated and targeted care, most women with sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia can achieve successful pregnancy outcomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / complications
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / diagnosis
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / therapy
  • Blood Pressure
  • Blood Transfusion
  • Female
  • Genetic Testing
  • Humans
  • Immunization
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / therapy*
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Prenatal Care / methods
  • Prenatal Diagnosis
  • Venous Thromboembolism
  • beta-Thalassemia / complications
  • beta-Thalassemia / diagnosis
  • beta-Thalassemia / therapy