This module has been designed to provide essential knowledge and confidence in caring for women with sickle cell (SC) during the perinatal period by recognising their specific health needs during sickle crisis and associated considerations for perinatal care.

Learning outcomes:
When you have completed this module, and the activities included, you will have a deeper understanding of:

• the maternity care needs of women with sickle cell, including possible complications
• how to respond to a woman presenting with a sickle cell crisis
• the research, campaigns, and inquiries highlighting the need for better maternity care for women with sickle cells
• service user experiences

Study time (approximate): 45 minutes

NMC Future Midwife Standards Domains:

Domain 4: Additional care for women and newborn infants with complications

Midwives are ideally placed to recognise any changes that may lead to complications. The midwife is responsible for immediate emergency response and first line management and in ensuring timely collaboration with and referral to interdisciplinary and multiagency colleagues. The midwife has specific responsibility for continuity and coordination of care, providing ongoing midwifery care as part of the interdisciplinary team, and acting as an advocate for women and newborn infants to ensure that they are always the focus of care.