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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 pre-eclampsia.

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:
June 16, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Femi Olatunbosun MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Rebecca Sue Uranga