Antiphospholipid IgM

Antiphospholipid antibodies pose following concerns to the pregnancy

• Miscarriages, which can occur early (0-9 weeks of gestation) and recur early in subsequent pregnancies, or late in the pregnancy
• Preterm delivery (before week 37 of gestation) as a result of preeclampsia (high blood pressure) or placental insufficiency (alternations in fetal well-being due to problems with the placenta)
• Intrauterine growth restriction (fetuses that are smaller than expected).
• Blood clots during pregnancy and up to six weeks following the birth of the baby (also referred to as the post-partum period).
• Unexplained fetal death or stillbirth
• Unexplained severe fetal growth restriction

Antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) are associated with anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS).Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by production of antibodies – antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) – that “attack” the person’s own body, resulting in blood clots and/or pregnancy complications. 

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder that is associated with pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, thrombosis, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, fetal growth restriction, and fetal loss.Although APS patients are more likely to develop pregnancy complications than are women in the general population, the current management approach allows the majority of women with APS to deliver healthy babies.

APA is tested if you have had any of the following

• Recurrent pregnancy loss - 3 or more spontaneous abortions with no more than 1 live birth
• Recurrent pregnancy loss - 3 or more spontaneous abortions with no more than 1 live birth
• Blood clotting disorder
• Fetal growth restrictions