STILLBIRTH AND MISCARRIAGE
Blood clotting disorders during pregnancy may contribute to:
- Repeated miscarriage (usually after the 10th week)
- Stillbirth (in the second or third trimester)
- Placental clotting and abruption (which can cause heavy bleeding)
- Pre-eclampsia (pregnancy associated high blood pressure)
- IUGR (poor fetal growth)
- Premature delivery (before 37 weeks)
Know This Warning Sign: Reduction of Fetal Movements in the 3rd Trimester
All pregnant women should learn how to keep track of how much their baby is moving during the third trimester. During this part of pregnancy, the baby will become more active, particularly during certain parts of the day. If you are keeping track and discover that your baby is moving less, this could be an indication of a developing problem that you must quickly bring to the attention of your doctor.
SHARON'S STORY
In December of 2007
My son and daughter-in-law came bearing gifts for my birthday. One was a photo of an ultrasound. I had no idea that they were planning a family, so at first I thought that their dog was having puppies. No, they were having what was to be my very first grandchild.
They were and I was over the moon.
Several weeks later, they returned to the doctor for a regular check-up. The Doppler was hooked up in order to hear the heart beat but there was no sound of a beating heart. An ultrasound was done and though the fetus was still there, the heart was no longer beating.
Their doctor tried to console them, telling them that a lot of babies are lost in the first trimester of pregnancy. He said that there was probably something wrong with the baby and this was just natures way.
As hard as this was to accept, they tried again and had the same results.
As fate would have it, my daughter-in-law who is a TV Producer was working on a show with three high risk obstetricians. After speaking with them and sharing her experiences they were shocked to learn that her doctor did not perform or even suggest performing any tests to see what the problem was.
They immediately performed some blood tests and found that she tested positive for Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). It is a disorder in which your immune system produces antibodies to certain proteins found in the blood. This syndrome may lead to the formation of blood clots in your body that may cause complications during pregnancy leading to miscarriage or stillbirths.
When she became pregnant for the third time, my daughter-in-law returned to these three doctors for her care. Since they were now aware of her condition they were able to prescribe blood thinners that she injected daily. She delivered a beautiful, healthy baby girl in April of 2009. Today, this child is bright and happy. She is a true joy to all who know her.
If it weren't for these doctors that were aware of this blood clotting disorder, this child may never have been born.
I am thankful every day for the knowledge of these three beautiful doctors and my very brave daughter-in-law for going through this very high-risk pregnancy.
The causation of Maternal/Fetal Clotting Disorders is a many-faceted issue.
THIS IS NOT A SINGLE DISEASE WITH A SINGLE CAUSE AND A SINGLE SOLUTION.
Around the country, there are many teams of researchers, specific medical studies, dedicated organizations and existing foundations that are all working to solve various parts of the problem.
Much of this research is underfunded and totally “under the radar” of public awareness. Yet, almost everyone knows of families who have been touched by the tragedy of repeat miscarriage, seriously underweight newborns, stillbirth or compromised maternal health during pregnancy. Thanks to the internet, a wealth of information is now available.
The challenges of maternal blood clotting issues are vast and complex but you are giving women answers. You are giving me answers. I'm grateful you recognize the need for change and are willing to find your way to solutions. - Emily Smith, maternal/ fetal clotting survivor
and Shane Foundation supporter
