If you have a pregnancy affected by fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), your doctors will monitor you and your infant during your pregnancy and immediately after delivery to ensure your infant shows no signs of internal bleeding.
After birth, your newborn will likely be placed in the neonatal intensive care unit, where your child will be monitored around the clock for any signs of internal bleeding. If this is the case, your child will be looked after with the best possible medical care by a team of doctors and nurses who specialize in newborn medicine.
If you think your infant may be at risk of FNAIT, or if you just want to be informed, you may want to familiarize yourself with the signs of internal bleeding so you can recognize them immediately if any do arise.
Read more about FNAIT signs and symptoms
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.
Here are some common signs to look out for that may indicate internal bleeding in a newborn child.
Petechiae or bruising
If you notice purplish pink spots (petechiae) on your infant’s skin or unexplained bruising, these may be signs of underlying bleeding.
Unexplained bumps or swelling
An unexplained bump or swelling that has the appearance of a massive bruise may be indicative of internal bleeding.
Crying or a change in behavior
One of the ways that infants communicate that some part of their body is hurting is by crying or being in an agitated mood. If this persists or seems abnormal, consult a doctor for a thorough physical check-up.
Loss of consciousness
If your child loses consciousness for any reason, this constitutes a medical emergency. In the context of FNAIT, loss of consciousness may be indicative of bleeding in the brain, which requires emergency intervention.
Bloody or tarry stool
Stools that are reddish in color or black as tar may be indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Bluish discoloration of the skin
Very pale or bluish skin is typically indicative of a lack of oxygen, which may be suggestive of internal bleeding.
When in doubt, consult your doctor
If you notice any of the above changes in your newborn and are worried that these may be signs of internal bleeding, the most important step you can take is to immediately consult a doctor. Only a thorough physical examination can determine if something is indeed wrong with your child.
If you are worried about FNAIT, a simple blood test can determine if your child is suffering from an abnormally low platelet count, following which appropriate medical interventions will be initiated.
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