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Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder caused by the unusual shape of an individual's red blood cells. This shape prevents the cells from effectively carrying oxygen around the body, instead slowing blood flow and becoming stuck in blood vessels. Symptoms of the disease can include anaemia, extreme episodes of pain (known as pain crises) and an increased risk of infection. Research has found that individuals living with SCD experience severe pain on a regular basis, alongside other issues such as jaundice, stroke and acute chest syndrome.

Though SCD disproportionately affects individual's of African and Caribbean heritage, it is also prevalent amongst those of Middle Eastern, Indian and Mediterranean descent. In the UK, SCD affects the lives of approximately 15,000 people, with around 1 in 79 babies being born carrying the sickle cell trait (SCT). SCT differs from SCD as those with the trait carry the sickle cell causing gene, but do not suffer from the disorder themselves.

Young people (aged 16-20) in particular have been identified as having poorer experiences of care, with over 50% of participants in a UK-based study experiencing delays in pain relief during pain crises. At present, guidance from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) focuses on the diagnosis and management of SCD in primary care settings, merging both paediatric and adult care. This failure to differentiate between the two, has left a gap within guidance when it comes to how best to care for young people living with SCD. Recent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) not only identifies issues with the current care offered, but also recommends that healthcare professionals work with schools to create supportive, youth-friendly services. That being said, it is acknowledged that further work in this area is needed to raise awareness, educate people on and address the stigma associated with the condition.

Postnatal care has a significant effect on the experiences of pregnant women, with care plans being used to help to explore, understand and record individual choices for pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.

Though current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance recommends that each woman should have an individualised postnatal care plan, not much is known about what women expect or where they get their information.

A recent national survey from the University of Oxford's Policy Research Unit in Maternal Health & Care, found that women tend to be less satisfied with their postnatal care than with care during pregnancy, labour and birth. Subsequent research has concluded that pregnant women, particularly first time mothers, need clear, comprehensive and accessible information on what to expect. Furthermore, information should be tailored to address any fears about being judged for seeking professional support and reassurance.

Potential articles

 * Postpartum care
 * Postpartum period
 * Early postnatal hospital discharge
 * Pregnancy options counseling
 * Maternity in the United Kingdom

Variations on a paragraph
Based on interviews with 40 pregnant women, a study in the UK found that pregnant women need clear and comprehensive information about the care they can expect after giving birth.

A 2018 UK national survey found that women were less satisfied with their care after the pregnancy than before and during. Based on interviews with 40 pregnant women, a study found that pregnant women need clear and comprehensive information about what they can expect from postnatal care. The involved mothers-to-be also highlighted an anxiety about being judged for seeking support.

A UK study based on interviews with 40 pregnant women highlighted a fear of having to leave the hospital too early or having to stay too long. According to their feedback, the ideal situation would be more control over the length of stay and making a joint decision with staff.