Sickle cell disease is caused by abnormal red blood cells that affect the hemoglobin. Normal red blood cells are round. Sickle red blood calls are shaped like a banana. 1 in 12 black Americans in the United States carry the sickle cell trait, about 1 in 375 will have the disease. Your baby inherited sickle cell disease.
Children inherit genes from both parents.
When both parents have sickle cell trait the chances for your baby to inherit sickle cell disease are 1 in 4 with each pregnancy. You should seek sickle cell counseling to learn to care for your baby and find social service and psychosocial support for your family. A pediatric hematologist is recommended because they specialize in blood disease. Sickle cell disease can cause serious health problems. Infection - your baby is at higher risk to get serious infections.