If you suspect your baby may be at risk of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), the first step is to talk to your doctor about your suspicions.
Before you do so, please note that FNAIT is a rare pregnancy disorder, and there is typically no urgent need to worry about this condition unless you have a history of a previous pregnancy affected by FNAIT. However, if you still suspect your infant may be affected, it’s time to make an appointment.
You never know until you ask
If you have had a previous pregnancy affected by FNAIT, it is important that you talk to your doctor if you are considering becoming pregnant again in the future. Alternatively, you may just want to know more about FNAIT and the risks involved; this is also a good opportunity for a discussion with your doctor about any of your fears and concerns. Establishing a good rapport with your OB-GYN is key, as they should be your main point of contact for any questions you may have about this disorder.
Read more about FNAIT treatment and care
When it comes to talking to your doctor about the potential risk of future pregnancies being affected by FNAIT or any other concerns you may have concerning this issue, remember that there are no silly questions. Be sure to clear away any doubts you may have about this disorder and ensure that you have all the facts you need to make sound reproductive decisions. In addition, it is a good idea to share with your doctor any previous history with FNAIT, as well as any members of your family affected by this condition.
Discussing options for testing
If you are pregnant and are worried about FNAIT, there are certain tests that your OB-GYN can order to confirm or exclude the presence of this disorder. Testing for FNAIT is not typically performed during pregnancy, so your doctor will be able to advise you on the risks and whether such a procedure is a good idea.
Typically, testing is only offered if there is a strong reason for it, such as a previous pregnancy affected by FNAIT.
Postnatal care if FNAIT is suspected or confirmed
The purpose of any testing is to ensure that antenatal care, which is the care covering the entire course of your pregnancy, is optimized. Throughout your pregnancy, your OB-GYN will closely monitor your health and that of your fetus. Fetal ultrasounds are typically conducted at regular intervals throughout pregnancy. In addition, your doctor may prescribe you certain treatments, such as intravenous immunoglobulin infusion, to lower the risk to your fetal health.
Care does not stop once the baby is delivered. Because a newborn affected by FNAIT is likely to have low platelet levels and be at significant risk of internal bleeding, your newborn child will be admitted for a period of monitoring to ensure that platelet levels are optimized and any bleeding complications are adequately dealt with before discharge.
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