"The challenges of maternal blood clotting issues are vast and complex but you are giving women answers. You are giving me answers. I'm grateful you recognize the need for change and are willing to find your way to solutions."
- Emily Smith, maternal/ fetal clotting survivor and Shane Foundation supporter
FACTS ABOUT MATERNAL / FETAL CLOTTING DISORDERS AND THROMBOPHILIA IN PREGNANCY
Sources: The Thrombophilia in Pregnancy Prophylaxis Study, (TIPPS), American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, (ACOG) Committee Opinion, 11/2012, March of Dimes, Pregnancy Complications, National Blood Clot Alliance, (Stop the Clot) Pregnancy Outcome, Thromboembolism and Thrombophilia.
- Blood clots are the leading cause of maternal deaths in all parts of the world.
- Maternal mortality rates in the US have actually risen in the last few years.
- Pulmonary Embolism, (blood clot in the lung) is the leading cause of maternal death in the US.
- Because pregnancy is a natural state of increased coagulopathy, risk of forming a blood clot is 4-6 times more likely in pregnant women.
- C-section surgery doubles this risk. 3 out of 10 women have a C-section.
- The period of highest risk for maternal death is post-partum; up to 65 per 10,000.
- For women with clotting disorders, the risk is even higher.
- Clotting disorders put the fetus at risk for low birth weight, (IUGR), placental abruption, placental clotting, miscarriage and stillbirth.
- Pre-eclampsia causes one third of maternal deaths and is a frequent cause of fetal death.
- IUGR, Intra-uterine Growth Restriction frequently causes developmental delay in children.
- Researchers have found forms of thrombophilia in about half of all miscarriages.
- Most contraceptive drugs increase the risk of forming blood clots.
- Contraceptive drugs (such as Yaz) which contain certain types of synthetic progesterone, double this risk, producing severe side effects including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke and heart attack.
- Up to 25,000 lawsuits are expected to be filed against Bayer, manufacturers of Yaz.
- Thrombophilias are common disorders but, currently there is no effort to require testing prior to prescribing drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives or C-section surgery.
Sources: The Thrombophilia in Pregnancy Prophylaxis Study, (TIPPS), American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, (ACOG) Committee Opinion, 11/2012, March of Dimes, Pregnancy Complications, National Blood Clot Alliance, (Stop the Clot) Pregnancy Outcome, Thromboembolism and Thrombophilia.
