At least one of your baby’s parents has a Sickle Cell gene (S)

Genes are what causes parents to pass traits (like eye colors) or conditions (like diabetes) to their children.

The difference between sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease lies in a specific gene that controls the structure of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Individuals with the sickle cell trait inherit one normal hemoglobin gene and one mutated gene (AS), but they typically do not experience severe health problems.

On the other hand, those with sickle cell disease inherit two mutated hemoglobin genes (SS), leading to the production of abnormal hemoglobin that causes red blood cells to take on a rigid, crescent-like shape.

Since Sickle cell trait occurs when a person inherits a normal Gene (A) from a parent and a Sickle Cell Gene (S) from the other parent, it is not something you catch.

One parent passed a Sickle Cell Gene along to your new baby one parent passed a normal Gene alone. This is no one’s fault! It just happens.

The Sickle Cell Gene (S) is the one to be aware of. If it had combined with a gene other than the normal Gene your baby could have sickle cell disease.

Knowing if you cary the gene for sickle cell can help you be aware of what potential genetic combinations your child may have. This also allows you to prepare for any special requirements a child with Sickle Cell Trait or Disease has.