Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 4/28/2008

Question
hi, i am a very fit 37yr old woman who has just lost on 22nd august 2007 my little boy Cameron, My pregnancy was great no sickness, he was very active i only had 5 weeks to go, started vomiting any thing i had ate so went to midwife on Monday explained how i was feeling said visual disturbances, swellin hands and feet as you know i thought pre eclampsia. my blood pressure was fine went to hospital they couldnt keep track as he was very active and took them to get tracker on., 4 counts of protein. they were over crowded told me urine infection. now have had faith in hospitals they do great for our country. i have been told when arriving a week later was pain no broken water, there was no heartbeat he had not been long gone. due to closure of a maternity unit. i have thrombophillia and my mother died at 40 yr with saddle embolism, i did  expliain my case history i feel so unhappy, scared as they say im very fit but im worried something going to happen like my mum! and my partner and i do hope for another child aint happening. i am sorry but i cant tell my doc. it aint fair that this can happen when he should survived. the travelling did it as past mortem results came back he was underweight but i try to cope but this blood thing gets to me i try lookin on internet but this is the first, im sorry to annoy you irene


Answer
Hi Irene
I'm deeply sorry about your loss at such a late stage in your pregancy. I'm afraid this is something that does happen for lots of different reasons even during labour. I'm not certain what you would like me to cover but I guess it is around your thrombophilia.
Thrombophilia is a condition that effects more than 5% of the population - so you are not alone. This makes it fairly common amongst pregnant women and the real danger is for those who don't know they have the condition.
There are many different types which you can find some details about on wikepedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrombophilia
Now the important thing here is that you must discuss the issues around possible future pregnancies before you become pregnant again. It is important that you have the chance to chat through the risks and seek advice about how your condition should be managed. I assume you have seen a Consultant Haematologist (doctor who specialises in blood conditions) - they would be best to sit and chat through with first and then possibly they might refer you to an obstetrician with an interest in your condition.
If you have never seen a haematologist then ask your GP to refer you to one.
It is important that you know where you stand and the risks you face in the future.
I hope this helps
Kind regards and once again I am sorry for your loss.
DR Ian Jackson