
Thrombophilia. A word as weighty as its meaning. If you haven’t heard of the term before, allow us to fill you in.
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Thrombophilia is a blood condition that increases the body’s tendency to develop clots. Clotting is the body’s natural response to a cut, gash or tear – a way of preventing excessive blood loss. Thrombophilia accelerates this clotting mechanism.
Thrombophilia can be acquired or inherited, and can be a serious risk to pregnancy. The most common inherited conditions during pregnancy are mutations in factor V Leiden, the prothrombin gene, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase.
Thrombophilia doesn’t present any outwardly symptoms. Its first visible manifestation is usually a blood clot. A clot, depending on where it is, can give rise to secondary symptoms. For example, a blood clot in the legs can lead to swelling; one in the lungs can cause difficulty breathing. If you have had a history of any of these, it’s wise to have thrombophilia ruled out. If you have previously been diagnosed with the condition or have a blood relative with it, share this information with your doctor to discuss the best way forward.
Left untreated, thrombophilia can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, growth restriction, placental dysfunction, preeclampsia, preterm labour and low birth weight. An early treatment plan can minimise risks for you and your baby during pregnancy.

Treatment for thrombophilia pivots on various factors, such as the type of thrombophilia, past clots, and related medical conditions. Usually, a blood thinner, with or without other medications, is prescribed. A low-molecular weight heparin is also considered an effective anticoagulant.
If you’ve experienced recurrent miscarriages or stillbirth, or have previously delivered a low birth weight baby, don’t leave any future pregnancies to chance. Have yourself screened for thrombophilia. Being diagnosed is your first step to a healthy pregnancy. And your last, from repeated cycles of disappointment.
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Thrombophilia during pregnancy may lead to complications like DVT (deep vein thrombosis), where there is a blood clot in a deep vein. This causes tenderness, swelling and pain in the lower leg or calf. Another serious complication may be pulmonary embolism, where a blood clot breaks and blocks a lung artery. A pregnant woman is at a higher risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, stillbirth, preeclampsia and placental abruption due to thrombophilia.
Yes. Thrombophilia can cause early miscarriage due to abnormal blood clots affecting the placenta and depriving the fetus of nutrients and oxygen. Acquired thrombophilias like APS (antiphospholipid syndrome) were typically associated with miscarriages. However, inherited thrombophilia, like Factor V Leiden, also poses a high risk to pregnancy.
Thrombosis is a condition where the body tends to develop blood clots easily. Pregnancy increases the risk of blood clots, as during this phase, the blood clots easily to reduce blood loss during delivery and labour. Also, pregnant women experience less blood flow to their legs as the growing baby pinches the blood vessels in the pelvis area.
"You can lead a long and healthy life with thrombophilia. However, various factors like, • Clotting history: If you have had previous clots, the risk of future clots is high • Thrombophilia type - Some types, like APS, carry a higher risk than others, like Factor V Leiden. • Risk factors like pregnancy complications, smoking, previous blood clots, and hormonal birth control increase risk. • Treatment and management influence the life expectancy of people with thrombophilia."