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 preeclampsia.

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.