Feelings of anxiety and stress are common in high-risk pregnancies such as those affected by fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). Managing these emotions can help support your overall emotional health and well-being and benefit your baby’s development.
Staying informed, practicing self-care through diet, exercise, and meditation and asking for help from family and friends and your healthcare team, will all help you navigate the challenges of a FNAIT-affected pregnancy.
What is FNAIT?
Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a rare but serious condition that affects 0.1% of pregnancies in which a pregnant mother’s immune system produces antibodies against the platelets of her fetus. This occurs when a fetus inherits platelet antigens from the father that are not compatible with the mother, typically involving a protein called human platelet antigen (HPA). The mother’s immune system recognizes the fetal platelets as foreign, attacking and destroying them, leading to low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia) in the fetus or newborn.
Managing your FNAIT-affected pregnancy
Your pregnancy may be at risk of developing FNAIT due to family medical history or your own previous FNAIT-affected pregnancy. Alternatively, you may already have developed antibodies to your baby’s blood platelets. It may also be the case that your baby is already experiencing symptoms of FNAIT.
The feelings of helplessness, anxiety, stress, guilt or dread are perfectly normal when your baby is at risk, and you cannot provide a solution. However, there are steps you can take to proactively manage your emotional response.
Learn more about FNAIT treatment and care
Knowledge is power
Educate yourself on FNAIT, why and how it occurs, the risks, treatment options, potential outcomes and postnatal care. Do your research by reading and searching online, but also by benefitting from the experience of your healthcare team.
Don’t be shy about asking questions or requesting clarification or explanation. If you want to make sure you don’t forget anything, try writing your questions down before your appointment. Knowing what to expect will be reassuring and you will feel empowered if you participate more in treatment-related discussions.
Prioritize self-care
To preserve your mental health, maintain a balanced diet and lifestyle. Get plenty of sleep, adopt a positive mindset and ask your doctor to advise you on safe prenatal exercises. Gentle yoga, pilates or stretching will boost your mood by releasing endorphins and help with your physical comfort during pregnancy. Time spent practicing meditation, mindfulness or deep breathing, either on your own or by using an app can be effective in reducing anxiety.
Rely on family and friends
Communicate openly with your friends and family and ask for practical and emotional support. Many people will have good intentions and want to help but they might be unsure of what you need. Consider asking for good company and distraction, help with meal preparation, someone to walk your dog or mind your kids, a friend to accompany you to appointments, a roster of regular visitors if you are on bed rest or in hospital.
Ask for professional help if you need it
Despite your best efforts, you may find that your feelings of anxiety and stress continue or even worsen. If this is the case, ask your healthcare team to refer you to a perinatal mental health therapist.
