Important information about your genetic test results and your pregnancy
You are a carrier for sickle cell trait. This means you have one copy of the sickle cell gene.
Being a carrier does not mean you have sickle cell disease. You are healthy and your pregnancy is not at increased risk because you are a carrier.
We'll discuss what this means for you, your baby, and your pregnancy.
You have one normal gene and one sickle cell gene.
Key points about being a carrier:
Being a carrier does not affect your health or your pregnancy. You do not need special monitoring or treatment because of carrier status.
What happens depends on your partner's genetic status.
We need to test your partner. If your partner is also a carrier (or has sickle cell disease), there is a chance your baby could inherit sickle cell disease.
If your partner is NOT a carrier:
Most partners test negative for carrier status. Partner testing is a simple blood test that gives us the information we need.
When both parents are carriers, here are the possible outcomes for each pregnancy:
Each pregnancy has these same chances. This pattern happens every time, no matter how many children you have.
If both parents are carriers, we offer genetic counseling to discuss your options.
A condition where red blood cells become crescent-shaped ("sickle" shaped) instead of round. These cells can block blood vessels and cause pain and organ damage.
People with sickle cell disease may experience:
Sickle cell disease is serious, but treatable. People with sickle cell disease can live full lives with proper medical care and new treatments.
Some people have:
More challenges:
Available treatments include:
Medical care for sickle cell disease has improved significantly. Children born today have better outcomes than ever before.
Step 1: Partner Testing
A simple blood test to see if your partner is also a carrier.
If your partner IS a carrier:
If both parents are carriers, these tests can tell if your baby has sickle cell disease:
| Test | When | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) |
11–14 weeks | Small sample from placenta |
| Amniocentesis | 15–20 weeks | Small sample of amniotic fluid |
| Testing at birth | After delivery | Newborn screening includes sickle cell |
Prenatal testing is optional. Some families choose testing. Others wait until birth. Both choices are okay.
Your pregnancy will continue to be healthy. Sickle cell disease does not affect fetal development or cause pregnancy complications.
During pregnancy:
After birth:
Babies with sickle cell disease feel healthy at birth. Problems usually don't start until 4–6 months of age, giving time to set up care.
When sickle cell disease is known at birth, we can start:
Early diagnosis and treatment greatly improve outcomes. Children who start treatment at birth have fewer complications and better quality of life.
Remember:
We are your partners in this journey. No question is too small. We will support whatever decisions you make for your family.
Talk to your care team:
National organizations:
You are a carrier—you are healthy.
Partner testing tells us the risk to your baby.
You have options for testing and planning.
We will support you every step of the way.