What is a concern for a client diagnosed with sickle cell anemia during pregnancy?

Sickle cell anemia significantly complicates pregnancy due to the risk of various crises related to the condition. During pregnancy, a client with sickle cell anemia is particularly vulnerable to a pain crisis, known as a vaso-occlusive crisis. This occurs when sickled red blood cells block blood vessels, leading to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues, causing severe pain and potential organ damage.

Additionally, the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, such as increased blood volume and changes in blood viscosity, can trigger or exacerbate these crises. Monitoring and managing complications related to sickle cell anemia is crucial for both maternal and fetal well-being during pregnancy.

While the other options—hyperemesis gravidarum, fetal growth restriction, and gestational hypertension—can also be concerns during pregnancy, they are not as directly linked to sickle cell anemia as the risk of an anemia crisis. Therefore, focusing on the sickle cell-related complications is essential in prenatal care for women with this condition.