What is Antiphospholipid Syndrome?
Antiphospholipid Syndrome is an autoimmune condition in which the affected individual is at increased risk for developing blood clots due to antibodies produced by the immune system of the body.
Individuals with Antiphospholipid Syndrome are vulnerable to potentially serious medical conditions like deep venous thrombosis, arterial thrombosis which is a clot in the artery supplying blood to the heart, or even a blood clot in the brain.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome is normally asymptomatic but some people do complain about a general sense of feeling sick, problems with ambulation, vision difficulties. These symptoms are similar to those seen in people with Multiple Sclerosis. However, Antiphospholipid Syndrome is an entirely different condition.
Can You Have a Baby With Antiphospholipid Syndrome?
Females with Antiphospholipid Syndrome are considered high risk patients in terms of pregnancy but still can deliver a healthy baby. Studies have suggested that females with Antiphospholipid Syndrome increase the chances of having frequent miscarriages. Why does this happen is still not clear but researchers feel that the condition results in minute blood clots which obstruct constant supply of blood to the growing baby.
Another theory suggests this condition impairs the fertilization of the egg and its ability to align within the wall of the uterus. These are just hypothetical views and further research is still going on as to the relationship between Antiphospholipid Syndrome and females having frequent miscarriages.
Despite all these risks, females still have about 75% chances of successfully completing pregnancy and delivering at term even though it requires constant monitoring and treatment. The most preferred treatment for pregnant females with Antiphospholipid Syndrome is heparin and low dose aspirin injections.
However, the medications for Antiphospholipid Syndrome increase the risk of complications later on in pregnancy. This is the reason why pregnant females with Antiphospholipid Syndrome are considered high risk patients.
Also, since Antiphospholipid Syndrome is associated with other medical conditions, pregnant females should follow closely with their health providers for frequent checkups throughout their pregnancy for a successful outcome.
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