WHO Issues First Global Guideline on Pregnancy Care for Women with Sickle Cell Disease

A New Era of Maternal Health: What This Means for Nigeria and Clearview Hospital

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever global guideline for the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) in pregnancy—a powerful advancement for maternal healthcare globally.

At Clearview Hospital and Fertility, this aligns directly with our 2025 mission: Promoting Safe Childbirthing. As a women- and child-focused hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, we are committed to providing high-quality care for every woman, especially those facing high-risk pregnancies like SCD.

Why This Guideline Matters for Nigeria

Over 7.7 million people worldwide are affected by sickle cell disease, with Nigeria bearing the highest burden globally. For women with SCD, pregnancy brings serious risks, including a 4 to 11 times higher chance of maternal death compared to women without the disease.

However, with the right care, safe pregnancy and childbirth are possible.

This new WHO guideline offers evidence-based recommendations that will help healthcare providers improve outcomes for both mother and baby, especially in high-burden countries like Nigeria.

Key Recommendations in the WHO Guideline

The guideline includes practical, research-backed actions that empower healthcare teams to deliver better care:

1. Early and respectful management of sickle cell crises
2. Use of safe, pregnancy-appropriate medications (e.g., folic acid, antibiotics)
3. Personalized birth planning in well-equipped hospitals
4. Avoidance of outdated or unsafe practices
5. Strengthening data collection and research on SCD in pregnancy

Clearview Hospital’s Role in Promoting Safe Childbirthing

At Clearview Hospital and Fertility, we are already putting many of these recommendations into practice. Our team of gynecologists, hematologists, obstetricians, and NICU specialists is trained to support high-risk pregnancies, including those affected by SCD.

We offer:

• Specialized antenatal care for high-risk pregnancies
•  NICU services for preterm or at-risk newborns
• Fibroid treatment, fertility support, and safe delivery options
• Compassionate care focused on safety, dignity, and outcomes

This WHO guideline reaffirms what we believe: every woman deserves a safe delivery, regardless of her medical background.

 Read the Full WHO Guideline

Click here to access the official guideline

Final Word

This landmark guideline is not just a policy—it’s a promise to women everywhere.

As Nigeria continues to fight maternal mortality, especially in women living with sickle cell disease, Clearview Hospital and Fertility stands proudly with the global health community in advancing safe, respectful, and evidence-based maternal care.

Need support or advice on high-risk pregnancy care?
Contact Clearview Hospital and Fertility today at 09030000628. Let’s walk the journey to safe motherhood—together.