Women with Bleeding Disorders
Women of all ages who have von Willebrand disease, Hemophilia, or other bleeding disorders, have special issues with bleeding because of obstetric and gynecological issues. Prolonged menstrual bleeding and prolonged bleeding after childbirth or miscarriage can be a problem. Long, heavy menstrual flows often lead to low iron levels. Therefore, women with bleeding disorders should routinely be tested for anemia. During pregnancy, levels of factors VIII and IX and von Willebrand factor usually increase in women with bleeding disorders.
A woman with a bleeding disorder who becomes pregnant should see an obstetrician as soon as possible. This will ensure that the doctor can work with The Hemophilia Center at OHSU to provide prenatal and postnatal care for the woman and her unborn baby. Miscarriages and abortions, even early in the course of a pregnancy, can result in prolonged bleeding for women with bleeding disorders. Women with bleeding disorders who know or think they are miscarrying, or who are choosing to end a pregnancy, should promptly seek medical care as soon as possible.