APS and Miscarriage
There are many conditions that can cause miscarriage or complications within your pregnancy. Some conditions come and go with pregnancy, they aren’t necessarily going to show up during your next pregnancy. Often autoimmune disorders tend to continue to exist in the mother even post pregnancy.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the blood is hypercoagulable, in other words can cause many blood clots throughout the system. As with any autoimmune disorder, the body creates antibodies to fight a particular tissue or cell, in this instance the “enemy” is phospholipids. Once your antibodies have found their enemy, they will attack the tissue or cell. Antiphospholipid syndrome is also known as APS, in the case that APS occurs with absence of any other disease it is called “primary antiphospholipid syndrome” however APS can occur as a secondary condition along with other autoimmune disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE.
Because of the production of blood clots during APS, there is a risk of miscarriage, still birth or severe preeclampsia.
APS is diagnosed with blood tests. The most common symptom of APS would be deep vein thrombosis in the legs, pregnancy complications or a stroke. There is also an association between antiphospholipid antibodies and headaches or migraines. The main treatment for APS is anti coagulants. Some of the medications are safer for pregnancy than others such as Heparin. Do not use Warfarin or Coumadin as they can penetrate the placenta.
The biggest thing to remember when you are expecting is that there are many conditions that can cause or contribute to a miscarriage. If you are having complications with your pregnancy, or are just feeling unwell, talk with your doctor. If your doctor is not listening to you, find a new one, your health is the most important thing, not the feelings of your doctor. It is time to take charge.
