Thrombophilia is the body’s increased tendency to form blood clots, meaning that individuals with thrombophilia are more likely to form blood clots without a clear reason, leading to serious complications. This heightened clotting tendency can be particularly dangerous during pregnancy, causing problems like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, placental abruption, pregnancy loss, and stillbirth. While blood clot formation is essential for bodily functions, an increased tendency to form clots can result in significant issues.
The blood clot formation is vital for busy functions, but why does an increased tendency cause problem, you ask? The following will serve you the answer. With the inputs from the best gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri, we help you understand the dangerous nature of thrombophilia, particularly in pregnancy, its symptoms, and treatment options. Read on to know.
Why Thrombophilia is Dangerous?
Our body’s ability to form blood clots is vital for physiological processes. Blood clots act as natural bandages, stopping excessive bleeding when we’re injured. However, in conditions like thrombophilia, the propensity for blood clotting heightens even without injury, potentially causing serious problems. For instance, unwanted blood clots in blood vessels can travel to the lungs, leading to life-threatening conditions like pulmonary embolism.
Some blood clots may also reach the brain, increasing the risk of fatality. Understanding the dangers of thrombophilia is crucial, especially in the context of pregnancy, where the risks are heightened.
How Challenging is Thrombophilia in Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a woman is in a state where the formation of blood clots is naturally heightened due to physiological needs. When thrombophilia is introduced into this pregnancy state, it amplifies the risk of complications. The increased blood clotting raises the risk of blood vessel blockage, potentially leading to various complications due to impaired blood flow. These blood flow issues may result in insufficient nourishing blood reaching the baby, causing growth complications for the foetus.
Additionally, blood flow problems can contribute to placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the baby, further complicating the pregnancy progression. The mother’s blood pressure gradually increases, leading to conditions like pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, creating new health challenges for both the mother and the baby. “Together, these problems can contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss or even stillbirth. In rare cases, blood clots may travel to the lungs, causing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism, as mentioned earlier.”, says lady gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri.
In essence, the risk of pregnancy complications significantly amplifies in the case of thrombophilia during pregnancy.
Thrombophilia in Pregnancy – Treatment & Management
The aim of the treatment for thrombophilia is to reduce the risk of the condition and mitigate its potential complications.
The treatment for pregnant women with thrombophilia is individualized, considering the medical history, previous pregnancy outcomes, lifestyle factors, and specific risk factors, according to gynaecologists in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri.
“A pregnant woman suffering from thrombophilia is continuously monitored with regular imaging studies and medical tests to assess the health of the foetus and mother. Anticoagulant medication is prescribed to reduce the risk of clotting, stockings are recommended to increase blood circulation, and lifestyle modifications are implemented to improve treatment outcomes and prevent the risk of thrombophilia,” states Dr. Mantri.