APS is an autoimmune blood clotting disorder. We commonly think of blood clots found in the legs (DVT), heart (heart attack), brain (stroke), and lungs (pulmonary embolism). However, clots can occur anywhere in the body. This includes the placenta.

The placenta is the source of nutrition for the unborn child. When a clot forms in the placenta, it denies the nutritional needs to continue to a full term, healthy pregnancy. This can cause miscarriage or premature birth.

An APS patient with pregnancy complications is at risk for miscarriage, pre-term labor, premature birth, preeclampsia, low platelet count. There are those that have successful pregnancies before diagnosis without treatment. However, it is more common that an APS patient would have complications. Many women receive their APS diagnosis based on miscarriages.

It is also important to note that all women are at a higher risk of blood clots during pregnancy that any other time in their lives. This is increasingly true for those with APS. Management of clotting issues is vital.