Pregnant women with sickle cell are almost always anemic at the first pre-natal visit. Folic acid is given routinely. This is just the same as in non-sickle cell pregnancies, it is simply more important in sickle cell pregnancies. The norm of giving iron supplements to pregnant women should not be followed without lab testing to show that is indicated. Sickle cell patients may be overloaded with iron because of frequent past transfusions.
Morning sickness poses extra risks for women with sickle cell.
Morning sickness can lead to dehydration and dehydration causes sickle cell crisis. Tests for urinary tract infection will be done at each pre-natal visit, as women with sickle cell are at increased risk for infection.