Pregnancy Planning with a Bleeding Disorder

Preparing for a Safe Pregnancy with a Bleeding Disorder

Living with a bleeding disorder can make pregnancy feel daunting, but with proper planning and the right medical team, a safe and healthy pregnancy is possible. This blog outlines important steps you can take before and during pregnancy to reduce risks and protect both mother and baby.

What Is a Bleeding Disorder?

A bleeding disorder affects how your blood clots, making it harder to stop bleeding after injury, surgery, or even without an obvious cause. Some common types include:

• Haemophilia (mostly affects men but can be carried by women)
• Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) – the most common bleeding disorder
• Platelet function disorders

Symptoms may include heavy periods, easy bruising, or frequent nosebleeds. If you suspect a bleeding disorder, consult your doctor and get tested before planning pregnancy.

Why Planning Matters More If You Have a Bleeding Disorder

• Higher risk of bleeding during delivery or after childbirth.
• Possible inheritance of the disorder by the baby.
• Need for extra precautions during tests, delivery, or breastfeeding.

Planning ahead ensures that your care team can anticipate complications and create a safe birth and recovery plan for you.

Step 1: Talk to a Hematologist and a Gynaecologist

• Review your medical history and symptoms
• Test your clotting factor levels
• Discuss genetic risks
• Create a tailored pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum plan

Step 2: Understand the Risks – But Don't Panic

• Heavy bleeding during pregnancy or postpartum haemorrhage
• Bleeding risks during C-section or surgery
• Miscarriage or complications if unmanaged
• Inheritance of the disorder by the baby

Step 3: Get the Right Tests

• Clotting factor tests
• Genetic and carrier testing (if family history is present)
• Prenatal tests like non-invasive blood tests or detailed ultrasounds

These tests help determine if treatments such as clotting factor replacement therapy are required during pregnancy or delivery.

Step 4: Make a Birth Plan with a Specialist Team

• Use of medications or blood products
• Close monitoring of the baby's health before and after birth
• Strategies for managing bleeding during labour
• Emergency planning for high-risk situations

Certain procedures such as epidurals, forceps, or vacuum delivery may need to be avoided due to increased bleeding risks.

Step 5: Plan for the Baby's Health Too

If the bleeding disorder is genetic, your baby may be at risk. Doctors will carefully monitor your baby during and after delivery and may avoid forceful delivery methods to reduce risks.

Step 6: Prepare for the Postpartum Phase

• Watch for signs of heavy bleeding (such as soaking through pads quickly)
• Take clotting factor medicines as prescribed
• Avoid certain activities that may increase bleeding

Breastfeeding is usually safe, but consult your doctor if you are on medications.

FAQs

"A bleeding disorder doesn’t have to stop you from becoming a mother—with preparation and the right medical team, safe pregnancy is possible."

— Dr. Pooja Thukral