Sickle Cell Trait

[MrsMattie]

Anyone's DC (or you?) have this? I got a letter in the post today to say that some bloods taken from my DD shortly after birth (she's now 3 mths old) shows she has this. Someone is coming around next week from the hospital to discuss it with me. The letter said not to worry and that it won't affect her development, but can't help but fret...

Oh, I can imagine how worrying it must be. I have sickle cell trait, which was discovered when I gave blood for the first time and my son has inherited it too. And even knowing that I had it myself, I was still worried for him!

I'm sure they will explain it all to you, but it doesn't affect her development - it's more about having children with future partners.

If both you and your partner carry the trait, then the chances of a child having sickle cell anaemia is 1 in 4 (I think - can't quite remember, they will go through it with you).

So when I got pregnant, my partner was tested to see if he carried the trait and if positive, then we would have had been offered genetic screening.

The specialist nurse that came round to me was very good, and put my mind at rest, so I hope that you have a similar experience.

Thanks loupiots. I did a bit too much googling last night and started fretting . Bloody internet! Will wait and see what nurse has to say. Thanks so much for your reply.