For women with bleeding disorders (including carriers),
pregnancy can be a time of heightened worry and confusion. In
this issue of HemAware, we conducted e-mail interviews of two
experts in the field and members of the National Hemophilia
Foundation’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Council: Andra
James, MD, co-director of Duke University’s Comprehensive
Thrombosis and Hemostasis Center, and Amy Shapiro, MD, director
of the Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center. We discussed
some of the issues that most concern pregnant women with
bleeding disorders. [Steps for Living: Family Planning for the
Next Generation] All women with a known diagnosis should have
contact with their hemophilia treatment center (HTC) during
pregnancy to ensure coordinated prenatal and postpartum care.
Are there any blood products or medications taken during
pregnancy that might pose a risk to the baby’s health? Dr. Andra
James: von Willebrand factor concentrates are derived from
purified human plasma and carry the risk of virus trans