The Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center of Nevada

2020 W. Palomino Lane Suite 110

Las Vegas, Nevada 89106

702-385-2702

 

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since July 3, 2010

Last updated July 3, 2010

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PREGNANCY AND ANTICARDIOLIPIN ANTIBODIES

 

I am a 38 yr old female who is looking for some direction when considering whether or not I want to try to become pregnant.  10 yrs ago, had 4 miscarriages during a 2 year period.  These miscarriages varied between 8, 12, and 16 weeks.  After the forth miscarriage, I had several tests completed at the Baylor University facility in Houston and the only thing that they could tell me was that I had elevated levels of the anticardiolipn antibody in my system.  At that time, they really did not have a great deal of information on how to proceed. 

 

I have not attempted to become pregnant since that time and have also re-married during this 10 year period.  Now, between my age and the antibody, I am uncertain of how to approach this.  I've asked my regular ob/gyn and they were educated enough in this particular area to give me advice...who do I talk to? A fertility specialist? 

 

Any direction you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Ronda

I would begin by speaking to a hematologist with expertise in clotting disorders.  He or she will probably recommend a high risk obstetrician that is experienced in this area.  Typically pregnant women are continued on low molecular weight heparin with or without aspirin to ensure that you go to term and deliver a healthy baby.

Be careful of any fertility drugs, especially hormones which may increase your risk of blood clots

I was told by my doctor that my miscarriages were caused by anticardiolipin.   I am now scared to get pregnant.  Should I take a baby aspirin everyday of my life?  Does pregnancy increase the chances of having a blood clot?

While you do not give details of your condition, the literature supports testing for coagulation abnormalities in patients that have had recurrent miscarriages depending upon when in the pregnancy these have occured. While no one can prove that the anticardiolipin antibody causes the miscarriage, there is an association in some people. There is much literature on patients who become pregnancy with this condition and the use of heparin products to improve the likelihood of a normal pregnancy and healthy baby. A high risk obstetrician should be consulted prior to your deciding to become pregnant again.

In patients with the anticardiolipin antibody who have never had a blood clot, they may not be at a marked increase risk to cause a blood clot, however they should be watched carefully to ensure this does not occur and if it does, that treatment is available immediately.

Aspirin may be better than nothing but is probably NOT protective enough to recommend for this reason.

I would recommend that you consult a coagulation specialist in your area to discuss this further and a high risk obstetrician that has experience with this to ensure that you are able to have a healthy family in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Last modified: May 17, 2010