Married couples with AS genotype

Health, Life Experiences, Motherhood, Sex and Relationships

Married couples with AS genotype

by Ngozi AbiolaOctober 27, 2023October 27, 202320

When a married couple both have the AS genotype (sickle cell trait), they face unique challenges and responsibilities that require understanding, support, and careful planning.

The AS genotype carries a 25% risk of having a child with sickle cell disease (SS genotype) when both parents have it. This means that couples need to make informed decisions about family planning. Genetic counseling can provide valuable insights and help them explore their options, such as prenatal testing or in vitro fertilization with pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.

Members of our community share their experiences.

Some comments on being pregnant as a woman with the SS genotype Instagram

Read more stories of Married couples with AS genotype in the comments. You’re welcome to share yours, we are always happy to read from you.

Which of these replies stood out the most to you ? loads more replies in the comments let’s chat in the comments.

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Tags: couples, Healthcare, marriage, sicklecell

Comments (20)

Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

I and hubby got to know a week before our wedding. Husband paraded himself with an AA result from one hospital. I was sure I was AS. We retested a week before wedding and found out we are both AS. We have a boy now and to the glory of God he is AA. No more babies!!! We are appreciating what we have now.
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

Going well because I have a supportive husband. 1 teenage child. Lots of sleepless nights, spending time in hospital too. Stopped working to be able to care for my child. It’s mentally exhausting and stressful. It’s tougher to see your child in too much pain and you can’t do much to stop it. A lot of money spent in health care too. God has been our help & rock. Lots of prayers daily on my child which has been a game changer. Thankful to the Lord. My advice is to avoid marriage and having SS children.
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

I n my friend gave birth 7 days apart.both boys.we got to knw her son is SS when d boys were almost 4yrs.Its too painful.Seeing my son run arnd without stress n hers in bouts of pain during crisis.pls dnt try it.i beg in d name of God.its just like bringing a human to d world for d sole purpose of suffering n pain.Love is not n will never be enuf.i beg u wit everything u blve in.Dnt try it
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

I know a couple that had 8 kids all but two were ss and died one of the normal kids died from an accident she has just one child their last born. While my parent inlaw had just one ss. And he is still alive at almost 50.
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

my mum’s cousin died at 50+ she didn’t have a child. For those who like they outgrew it it’s just the grace of God upon their life.
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

I know a close family friend that gave birth to 6. 4 is dead and they are left with 2. Both parent are miserable now. It’s not worth it at all. Life can be beautiful with another partner with a matching genotype. The longer you stay they tougher it becomes to leave such relationship. Leave now!! Don’t be selfish, Don’t gamble with your peace of mind, Future & your children’s life. I could remember a SS girl that says whenever she overthinks. She feels like cursing her parents. How does that sound? Biko Act right!!!
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

Hi Ms. Asoebi, i lost my course mate from University in July this year, 2 months later her younger Brother followed. We later found out that the family had 7 kids all SS and 6 of them are currently dead. They have only 1 surviving child.
I have been heartbroken since their demise, my fellow coursemates that visited the family said their Mom is barely talking. She’s so heartbroken.
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

My aunt got married to her husband even while both were aware of their genotypes. My Dad counselled, warned, admonished and it all fell on deaf ears. In her words, ‘Love is enough’. Its been 15 years, no kids (she had series of miscarriages and was advised to stop trying) and she looks worse for wear, she’s now raising the daughter of her husband’s brother.
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

Hello Ma’am, this thing can be draining even for people that are not family members. I remember I witnessed someone die( she just started 100level), stressed of registration and all. Fam was far in Abuja and she was in Ilorin! I couldn’t stop thinking for more than a year! Another one, I also took care of this girl, we were in the same hostel. When she’s in pains, I cry, she cries. They get tired of the drugs and injections. You should see how I beg this girl just to try and keep trying. The pain they go through when they are in crisis is not something to see o.
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

I also had a room mate then. Infact I didn’t know she was CS, she was tall and busty. Until one cold night when she had her crisis and her friend had to massage her back and all. She was the last born, so they took care of her well. She got married years later and even had a child. She died last year and she was such a smart lady. Really painful.
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

I’m SS, 40. There’s nothing like outgrowing SCD (Sickle Cell Disease). You learn to manage it better. You know what your triggers are. Unfortunately even with that, you can still go into a crises with no warning. Also, if she’s SS, it’s impossible for her child to be AA. The trait will be passed down from her. The child should be retested. Unless she’s saying her husband is AA.
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

My cousin is 45 years old and she still gets crises. She even has a sickle cell son also. It helps to identify your triggers and try to avoid it. For most women it’s around their periods. So take lots of fluid. Drink Ugu water and/or malt. Avoid stress as much as possible
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

I want to talk about a family member because sometimes i see people say that you can risk it and at least you will have one AA or AS. This my family member had all 3 kids as SS and 2 have died! People talk about checking the genotype before birth but those procedures are not only financially but mentally draining! Please think about a lot before doing this. Love will disappear when ur kids start suffering
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 28, 2023

We were 5girls and a boy, 3 was SS, lost 2, the remaining one which is my immediate elder sister, it has been hell. She drained our parents and now they are no more, the whole thing is on us She had crisis last time she was at my place and it wasn’t funny, this is what she has been going through for years. Marriage that was not up to 2yrs, her husband left, her son is now 10yrs, he’s AA. I thought they do outgrow the crisis, she’s over 35yrs, pls do they actually outgrow it? and at what age pls
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 28, 2023

My husband is AC and I’m AS and we knew before we got married. Our 2 children are AS and AA but we also did prenatal diagnosis. I agree with the person that said it’s not just about the financial situation but also mental. My 2 pregnancies weren’t easy so I can’t imagine having to terminate any them after going through all that because you can only do the test at about 11-12 weeks.
Another option would be the
IVF which is way more costly and also has other cons too.

Honestly, I don’t know if l’ll advise anyone to do it but it all depends on the individual. But what my husband and I decided on was not to knowingly bring a child to this world to suffer, it’ll be too selfish.
Also, the prenatal diagnosis isn’t that expensive in Nigeria, I did mine at LUTH and cost around 270k, this was about 3-4 years ago so it’ll be more expensive nOW.
I know expensive is relative but I think for the value you get, it’s worth it.
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 28, 2023

My parents are both AS (separated) mum in Nigeria dad in UK my mum did all the work ooo from money wise to
emotional wise when I came
to the uk and got married it’s my mom and husband still doing all the work my dad still says he does not understand how I am
SS he is AS by the way but he is ignorant, when I am sick and I call him he will be shouting eh he does not have money he has to go to work (uk health care is free) he was there for me twice when I had crises the rest time baba is tired he just calls and say him to he is not feeling well or where I am is far bla bla bla if it was my mum she would have come running lol I still love him though he is just ignorant
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 28, 2023

I wish people with this AS & SS blood genotype, when they find out they are dating to marry a partner with similar genotype, they should start mentally preparing themselves in advance incase they have to adopt kids instead. I know it’s hard, but they should try. I’m AA myself, but after the different birth complications I’ve heard that can happen to anyone, I’ve started opening my mind to anything just incase worse comes to worse in the future.
(God forbid though) but it’s the best.
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 28, 2023

Both of my parents are AS and I’m the last child and only child with SS. I must tell you that it takes the grace of God and proper management to overcome crisis. Even if everything is done properly, it can just hit one anytime and anywhere. I don’t go anywhere without my meds. It’s not something I’ll wish for anyone so no one should even think of getting married if they are not compatible and bringing a child to this world to suffer if they don’t have the means to prevent it from the start. Let’s say our parents were ignorant then but how about now? My parents have tried and they are still trying (Alhamdulilah)
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 28, 2023

I have a relative that had 10 kids all of them died until her doctor did BTL for her, the husband went outside the marriage and had 2 children with someone who’s genotype matched his own. Now she’s old and weary while the husband is living life with another family. Most of the time it’s not worth it at all for a sickel cell carrier to marry another
in genotype

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