Labour and birth

If you have sickle cell disease (SCD), you should have your baby in a hospital that can manage any SCD complications. If you are under our care, this will be St Thomas’ Hospital.

You are more likely to go into labour early if you have SCD. If you do not go into labour early, you are likely to be advised to have your labour started off (induced) before your due date, to reduce the risks to you and your baby. This is usually at about 38 weeks, depending on other complications throughout your pregnancy.

You can discuss delivery methods with your midwife and obstetrician in clinic, nearer to your due date.

During labour  

You will be kept warm to reduce the risk of developing a crisis in labour. You may be given fluids through a drip to prevent dehydration, and you may need oxygen.

Blood that is suitable for you will be available in case you need a transfusion.

Your baby’s heartbeat will be closely monitored.

Pain relief

You will see an anaesthetist before you go into labour, to discuss pain relief.

You can read more about pain relief during labour on the NHS website.

All the usual methods of pain relief should be suitable for you, except pethidine, as it could cause complications.