Pregnancy Stories from SS Genotype Warriors

by Ngozi AbiolaOctober 27, 2023October 27, 20239

Pregnancy is a transformative journey for any woman, but for those with the SS genotype (sickle cell disease), it carries unique challenges and triumphs. These women, the SS Genotype Warriors, defy the odds and share inspiring stories of their pregnancy experiences.

Navigating a pregnancy with sickle cell disease can be a rollercoaster. Pain crises, fatigue, and an increased risk of complications make it a challenging path. SS Genotype Warriors learn to balance self-care with the joys and uncertainties of motherhood.

Despite the hardships, their determination shines through. They celebrate every milestone, from the first kick to the ultrasound pictures, with unwavering strength. With constant monitoring and medical support, they persevere through the nine months.

These stories are a testament to resilience and the power of hope. SS Genotype Warriors are determined to give their children the best possible start in life, and their courage in the face of adversity is nothing short of heroic.

These women remind us that with proper medical care, a strong support system, and a resilient spirit, even those facing the toughest challenges can bring new life into the world. Their stories inspire us all to overcome obstacles and embrace the miracle of motherhood, no matter the circumstances.

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

Read more stories of Pregnancy Stories from SS Genotype Warriors 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: Female Health, genotype, Health, motherhood, mothers, Pregnancy, sicklecell, ss genotype, Women Health

Comments (9)

Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

Pregnancy for me was not really challenging, although i had several ulcer attacks, bleed for a month and half with Drs not knowing the cause of it after series of awful tests. My PVC in the last trimester went down the drain. I opted for a CS because i didnt want to stress myself and tigger any form of crisis during labour (Was very hard for my Dr to go with this decision 😂) at the end of the day he was glad i went with that decision.

P.S my parents discovered i was SS when i was in grade 4 (my first crisis) and the last time i had a terrible crisis was in 2007.
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

I did CVS twice for both my children. It’s not painful though can be a bit uncomfortable but the whole thing is done in less than 5 mins.
You’ll be given an injection in your stomach to numb the part where the sample will be taken. It was done around 11-12 weeks,had my first done in nigeria(LUTH) and result was out in 2-3 days, did the second in Canada (process is same) but result took longer to come out(about 2 weeks)because they tested for all sorts of chromosomal abnormalities while the one in Naija was only for genotype.
Paid 270k in Naija but was free in Canada.
Thankfully, I didn’t have to terminate any pregnancy because both my children are AA and AS.

If anyone wants to do it in Nigeria, they should contact the sickle cell foundation in LUTH, there will be a counselling session to tell you about the Sickle cell disease and also how to take care of it and all sorts. Then you’ll book an appointment to do it. My pregnancies went on as normal after both tests but they’ll ask you to take certain precautions after (nothing serious though). Stuffs like avoid sex, heavy lifting etc
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

Transplant and gene therapy is strenuous as you still have to be on medication most of your life and there is risk for graft vs host syndrome. There are risks to everything just makes sure you research. I am a sickle cell patients and I had mostly good pregnancies.

My first pregnancy was 37 weeks plus but crises started around 25 weeks or so with one 3 day hospital stay at that time. I also had blood exchange once. Second pregnancy I had her at 38 weeks CSection. I did blood exchange routinely monthly towards the end of the pregnancy. Blood exchange I mean, they take out 2 bags of my blood and put back 2 bags of another blood that had led sickled cell. This was not easy.

I had postop hemorrhage where I lost about 4 liters of blood. I luckily didn’t die because God was with me throughout and my prayer warriors were hanging out. I also think that it was because my hemoglobin runs in the 7 so I didn’t have reaction of blood loss as someone that has hgb of 12 or 13.

They gave me blood before the procedure and my hgb was 9 before the C-section. This was all in the US. They had to give my uterus cpr to stop the blood. It was a scary moment.

I had my high risk team with me and that event was not pleasant. have been fine now. No crisis in almost a year. My children are AS. I don’t even have crisis at all now but I would advise to not marry AS if you are SS, no point bringing another child to suffer. Love is not enough. I told most of my partner back then immediately and i asked their genotype. No need to invest emotions.
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

I just read your post about sickle cell and the lady that posted about how scared about marriage and pregnancy. Ms_asoebi am a sickle cell patient and I have a sibling too who is sickle cell. Why I private chat you is because I have my siblings and family members following you so I don’t want them to see my comment on your page.

I will say she should not be scared I was scared too. I had my first pregnancy in 2012 and I was encouraged to be eat more fruits and stay hydrated all day. As far as she can manage the crisis she is good to go. She can do it. Am married now with and I have my son. During my pregnancy I had no crisis which I was scared too for that(Lol) I had to see my hematologist every week to know if my iron deficiency reaches to what is been required. Pls help me tell her that she should not be scared about it. And if she take care of herself well by checking her blood level and staying hydrated well she will be fine.

I have another suggestion She can do some home remedies for iron booster. By cooking poroporo (the leaves Ghanaian use to make waakye) and eating more of vegetables leaves
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 27, 2023

Pregnancy for me was not really challenging, although i had several ulcer attacks, bleed for a month and half with Drs not knowing the cause of it after series of awful tests. My PVC in the last trimester went down the drain. I opted for a CS because i didnt want to stress myself and tigger any form of crisis during labour (Was very hard for my Dr to go with this decision 😂) at the end of the day he was glad i went with that decision. P.S my parents discovered i was SS when i was in grade 4 (my first crisis) and the last time i had a terrible crisis was in 2007.
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 28, 2023

It was going smoothly when I was asked to sit at home and do nothing, until I felt like I was strong enough to work then boom the shege started. I spent close to a month at the hospital my PVC was low and other things. Alhamdulillah I delivered my baby before the due time because I had jaundice and the baby was getting smaller in my womb.
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 28, 2023

labor was no joke. It was a virginal birth and took about 16 hours 😩😩 I’m currently pregnant with twins and will be having a CS delivery so far this pregnancy has been challenging but I’m pushing fine. For the most I will say being a SS mom is draining. But I’m glad I have help around me. And I can’t wait to see my babies
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 28, 2023

I am a mum of 2 an SS mum, thank you @msasoebi for the opportunity to share my story, i hope it inspires someone that’s a warrior as well . So I met my husband 7yrs ago before even a relationship started I share everything with him, to my utmost surprise he said he didn’t mind and he was AA , months later on the relationship he asked me to be his wife and I said yes that’s where it all began ,less than a year meeting him we where already married. Before marriage I had crisis like once a month so all those times he will be there with me even on admission take permission from work to be with me 😁 I took in for the 1st all through pregnancy no crisis I was fine and I gave birth through CS no complications nothing I was ok. 4 yrs later when I took in for the 2nd the journey started I was sick all through the pregnancy I had to be rushed in for emergency at 35 weeks 5 days baby came weighing 2’6 after that I collapsed I was in ICU for 8 days recovering God showed up for me and I was discharged later. After 2 months I collapsed again I was in the hospital for more than 2 months in all I had a very supportive family. Here I’m today sharing my testimony to inspire someone that you can do it 🙏🙏
After this whole experience I’m doing well, doing business 😄 and no much crisis 😊
Anonymous
ReplyOctober 28, 2023

I did CVS twice for both my children. It’s not painful though can be a bit uncomfortable but the whole thing is done in less than 5 mins. You’ll be given an injection in your stomach to numb the part where the sample will be taken. It was done around 11-12 weeks,had my first done in nigeria(LUTH) and result was out in 2-3 days, did the second in Canada (process is same) but result took longer to come out(about 2 weeks)because they tested for all sorts of chromosomal abnormalities while the one in Naija was only for genotype. Paid 270k in Naija but was free in Canada. Thankfully, I didn’t have to terminate any pregnancy because both my children are AA and AS.

If anyone wants to do it in Nigeria, they should contact the sickle cell foundation in LUTH, there will be a counselling session to tell you about the Sickle cell disease and also how to take care of it and all sorts. Then you’ll book an appointment to do it. My pregnancies went on as normal after both tests but they’ll ask you to take certain precautions after (nothing serious though). Stuffs like avoid sex, heavy lifting etc.

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