Planning a Baby  Discussion Forum

Hi Archie,

How are you doing? If you remember, I had a fetal demise at 17 weeks in August. All my results have come back.

The baby tested fine chromosomally (if you recall I had a positive AFP for Downs). There was nothing unusual with my blood levels except a VERY LOW protein S level (anticoagulant). It is usually low during pregnancy but mine were lower than 10% (when 65% is the normal). They did a follow-up check for protein S at my post-partum visit. But it was normal.

During my induction the OB-GYN ordered the check for clotting factors only after I mentioned that my first son was born at 36 weeks at only 4.5 pounds. Acc. to him, blood clots can cause growth restriction or fetal demise. So we were hoping that the protein S might yield some clues.

I am at a standstill. The OB-GYN will refer me to a perinatologist to check their opinion.

Have you heard of any similar cases? Do you have any pointers? As of now I will be leaving to India for the next two months. Seeing the specialist, conceiving and all else can happen only after i get back in December.

Thanks in advance, Aarti archie replied. Aarti,
protein S and blood clotting could be a culprit in your case. But having understood that in future that can be taken care. Just a pill while you are pregnant and all will be OK. Of course you will be monitored closely by repeat of tests on blood.

there are many who go through clotting troubles but with blood flow improving pills things go just good. May require some aspirin or so. May be an Ecogram would help but I am not sure if it's good time to do that now. Because I suspect your clotting problem may not be persistent and during pregnancy due to hormone it gets aggrevated so close monitor would be good enough.
archie