How I Endured Sickle Cell Pregnancy on Bed Rest

Paula K. is a new mom who has sickle cell that is sharing her experience with everyone. I hope this helps all the new moms and moms-to-be out there. ~SCW

I was expecting my first child, no my only child at the age of 25 years. There was a myriad of emotions connected to my pregnancy since I was single and still staying with my folks. In an African setting, this was shameful but forging through with the pregnancy was my only option.

Sickle-cell pregnancy

My pregnancy was very special. I had sickle-cell anemia – a hereditary blood disorder. In this condition, my body would produce abnormal hemoglobin cells. These sickle-shaped cells would sometimes stick through blood vessels and tissue, thereby depriving organs of getting sufficient oxygen supply. This resulted in frequent painful episodes known as “crises”. Sickle-cell anemia in pregnancy could lead to miscarriage, low-weight babies, or preterm labor. My prenatal check-ups were intense. Towards the end of the 2nd trimester, on my way to the hospital for these routine health checks, my doctor settled on placing me under compulsory and monitored hospital bed rest.

Hospital bed rest

This being a high-risk pregnancy, I spent my last 3 months literally on the hospital bed. My variables were lying or sitting on the bed to taking regulated short walks. In a bid of making the long months bearable, I would journal my daily experiences and read newspapers, magazines – especially on parenting. When I was tired of all that reading, I opted to knit mittens, sweaters, and socks for my baby.

Unwavering support

Around the 9th month, it was so unfortunate for me to have lost my mother. This was the worst hit ever; I’d last seen her 4 months earlier. She had been unwell for a while and had died while hospitalized. She couldn’t have died this soon while her grandchild was pretty much near-term. My doctors allowed me to attend her burial on the condition that I would immediately embark on hospital bed rest. I got counseling sessions to deal with this pain. My nutritionist put me on a diet that would boost my immunity as well as increase my hemoglobin production.

My lessons

At the end of it all, I got my healthy bundle of joy; my priceless prize. The bed rest at first wasn’t an excellent idea, but I can attest that it helped in reducing the complications I had. In that regard, bed rest isn’t a punishment but a helpful tool in pregnancies. The best way out is not to resist but embrace it for all its worth.