WHO Issues First Global Guideline for Pregnancy Care in Women with Sickle Cell Disease

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first global guideline on managing sickle cell disease (SCD) during pregnancy, aiming to reduce serious risks for both mothers and babies.

SCD affects 7.7 million people globally and significantly increases maternal and infant complications, especially in malaria-endemic regions like sub-Saharan Africa. Pregnant women with SCD face up to 11 times higher risk of maternal death and higher chances of pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, and preterm birth.

The guideline offers over 20 recommendations, including folic acid and iron use, infection prevention, crisis management, and the role of skilled care teams. It emphasizes respectful, personalized care and calls for more research, as pregnant women with SCD are often excluded from clinical trials.

This is the first in a WHO series addressing chronic diseases in pregnancy, with future guidelines to cover diabetes, heart conditions, mental health, and more.

24-06-2025