Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Pregnancy
Topic Overview
Antiphospholipid syndrome is a rare
autoimmune disease
that has been closely linked to some cases of recurrent
miscarriage
. This syndrome increases blood clotting. It can cause dangerous blood clots (thrombosis) and problems with blood flow. For some women, the only sign of this condition is an early miscarriage. Or, later in the pregnancy, the woman may lose the baby due to a poorly functioning
placenta
, or she may have
preeclampsia
.
Pregnant women with antiphospholipid syndrome are treated with blood-thinning medicines to prevent clotting problems and pregnancy loss. These medicines may include heparin, aspirin, or both.
Other types of blood-clotting disorders can cause similar pregnancy problems. Your doctor can test for blood-clotting disorders.
Credits
Current as of: February 11, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Sarah A. Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Rebecca Sue Uranga, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Current as of: February 11, 2020
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah A. Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Rebecca Sue Uranga, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology