The presence of a family history of bleeding disorders brings additional factors that need to be considered when you decide to have a child. It is important that you discuss the implications with your partner and healthcare team.
Before You Have A Baby
Planning a family
If you would like to discuss your bleeding disorder and how it might affect a pregnancy or the chances of passing the disorder on to your children, your local haemophilia centre is always happy to see you to advise and guide you.
There have been many changes in the care of patients with a bleeding disorder over the last couple of decades and it may be worth chatting to our specialist nurses about current treatment options for children so you are well informed.
Pregnancy
If you want to check whether your unborn child has inherited a bleeding disorder there may be prenatal diagnosis options available such as chronic villas sampling (CVS), amniocentesis, and foetal blood sampling. This will depend on which bleeding disorder you have. You can discuss these options with your haemophilia team and an obstetrician who can provide information and guidance.
If you have a bleeding disorder or you are a symptomatic carrier
If you have a bleeding disorder or you are a symptomatic carrier, your care during pregnancy will depend on which condition you have. The team looking after you will want to ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery of your child. You and your baby will be monitored closely throughout the process and a plan will be in place for when you do give birth. If at any time you have any queries or questions, support from medical professionals is always at hand.
If you are an asymptomatic carrier
If you are a carrier of a bleeding disorder, but do not experience symptoms then it is unlikely that you will experience any additional problems, however you will still be monitored closely throughout the pregnancy and a plan will be in place for when you do give birth.
Remember that before, during and after your pregnancy, there are many people and resources that can help you. These include:
- Consultants
- Obstetricians
- Haematologists
- Specialist nurses
- Midwives
- Genetic counselling services
Talk to your local haemophilia centre to find out more. The most important thing is to talk to your healthcare team, but many additional resources are available. We have listed some below which can give you information specific to your condition, and discuss the options available throughout pregnancy.
