Sickle cell disease is a red blood cells abnormality which results in impairment of circulation, life threatening infections, severe anemia, tissue damage, and infarctions. Pregnancy also called gestation or gravidity is a time when an offspring or several offspring develop inside a woman's womb. This paper will address nutrition role during pregnancy in a sickle cell patient.
Micronutrient deficiencies role has been addressed and research in this area continue to show an individual deficiencies range in sickle cell anemia(HbSS) patients. Some of these can be able to be corrected with supplements. The vitamin D deficiency possible association with the subnormal bone development in sickle cell anemia patients is the most recent focus. There is bone mineral density improvement and some normalized status of vitamin D with having oral calcium and vitamin D supplements(Hyacinth, Gee, & Hibbert 57).
300 extra calories in approximation are required every day for maintaining a healthy pregnancy with sickle cell disease. They should be derived from balanced diet with whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and protein, with fats and sweets kept into a minimum. A healthy diet which is well balanced during pregnancy may help in minimizing pregnancy symptoms like constipation and nausea(Barfield, et al. 545).
The United States Public Health Service has recommended that all childbearing age women with sickle cell disease consume 400 micrograms every day of folic acid. This nutrient is found in fortified breakfast cereals, some vitamin supplements, some green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, nuts and most berries. It can help in reducing birth defects risks like those of spinal cord and brain or the neural tube defects. Varying incontinence and paralysis degrees and also intellectual disability may also result(Costa, Viana, & Aguiar 687).
Work Cited
Hyacinth, H.I., B.E. Gee, and J.M. Hibbert. "The Role of Nutrition In Sickle Cell Disease." Nutrition and Metabolic insights(2010):57. Academic One File. Web. 26Feb.2016.
Barfield, Wanda D, et al. "Sickle Cell Disease And Pregnancy Outcomes: Women Of African Descent." American Journal Of Preventive Medicine 38.4 Suppl(2010):S542- S549. MEDLINE. Web.26Feb.2016.
Costa, Vanessa Maria Fenelon, Marcos Borato Viana, and Regina Amelia Lopes Pessoa Aguiar. "Pregnancy In Patients With Sickle Cell Disease: Maternal And Perinatal Outcomes." Journal Of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine 28.6(2015):685-689.Academic Search Premier.Web.26Feb.2016.
