Navigating Pregnancy with a Blood Clotting Disorder: How a Doula Can Change Everything
You’ve just received the news: you’re pregnant!! While this moment is filled with joy, learning you have a blood clotting disorder can bring a wave of mixed emotions. Whether this diagnosis came years ago or just recently during fertility treatment, It’s completely natural to feel both excitement and concern as you navigate what’s next.
At The Elgin Doula, we specialize in walking with women just like you, women who want to feel empowered, informed, and genuinely cared for as they prepare to welcome their baby. We understand the emotional and medical nuances of high-risk pregnancies, including those affected by clotting disorders. And we’re here to offer calm, consistent support every step of the way.
We’ve walked alongside many pregnant women in the Chicagoland area who have blood clotting disorders. We understand the extra appointments, the injections, the risk assessments, and the endless “what ifs.” But we also know that having a strong support team, one that includes a doula trained in high-risk pregnancy support, can transform your experience and outcomes.
This post will guide you through what these diagnoses mean, how they can affect your pregnancy, and how our expert doulas can support you throughout it all, with empathy, warmth, and unwavering care.
Let’s explore this together.
Understanding Blood Clotting Disorders in Pregnancy
Blood clotting disorders are genetic or acquired conditions that affect the way your blood clots. In pregnancy, they can lead to serious complications such as miscarriage, preeclampsia, placental abruption, and preterm birth if not carefully managed.
The most common clotting disorders seen in pregnancy include:
Factor V Leiden: A genetic mutation that increases the likelihood of blood clots.
Factor II (Prothrombin) Mutation: Another inherited condition that raises clot risk.
Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS): An autoimmune disorder that causes blood to clot abnormally and can lead to repeated pregnancy loss or other complications.
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP): An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the body's platelets, leading to low platelet levels. In pregnancy, this can increase the risk of bleeding during delivery and may require careful monitoring and treatment throughout gestation.
Often, these diagnoses are first uncovered during fertility treatments or initial prenatal visits, and patients begin their pregnancies already feeling anxious and overwhelmed. This is where compassionate, knowledgeable doula care becomes vital.
How Doula Support Can Make a Difference
At The Elgin Doula, we specialize in supporting women with complex and high-risk pregnancies. Our doulas are trained to provide not only physical and emotional support but also to work collaboratively with your OB, MFM, or hematologist. We are familiar with the protocols for these clotting conditions and can help you:
Navigate medical recommendations with clarity and confidence
Reduce stress and anxiety through personalized, continuous support
Feel empowered and informed throughout your pregnancy and birth
Prepare for a safe labor experience while advocating for your preferences
“As a wife, mother of 5 and 4x high-risk pregnancy mama with APS myself, I am passionate about helping our Elgin Doula moms with blood clotting disorders safely and joyfully navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. While certain options like a home birth or birth center birth are no longer available, you CAN still have a beautiful, empowered trauma-free experience in the hospital. Having the right doula by your side makes ALL the difference. We want to be that for you!”
“We cannot imagine going through our pregnancy, birth and postnatal care without Lexi. I was high risk (higher BMI, IVF, over 40), and Lexi was an amazing resource of both facts/data and experience to support me, my spouse and our pregnancy. Lexi integrates exceptionally well with our doctors and nurses while still honoring her holistic care approach. I had numerous fears going into labor & delivery, and her presence brought a needed boost of confidence, kindness and calmness. We will always be grateful that Lexi was a part of our pregnancy, birth and postnatal experience. If we were to have a 2nd child, we absolutely would be calling Lexi first to support us.”
We have seen first hand how women with clotting disorders who are supported by a doula feel more in control, less anxious, and more satisfied with their birth experience—regardless of whether they choose induction, epidural, or cesarean birth.
Partnering with Experts Who Understand High-Risk Pregnancies
Every member of our team is committed to delivering expert-level care to all clients, but especially those navigating medical complexity. We invite you to learn more about our Birth Doula Package, meet our team of specialists, or explore our blog on Supporting High-Risk Pregnancies.
If you're currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy after discovering a blood clotting disorder, you're not alone—and you're not without options. We’d love to help you! Book a consultation today to learn how The Elgin Doula team can support you.