WOMEN who suffer the heartache of losing their babies at a late stage of pregnancy on numerous occasions may be suffering from a condition known as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
APS was only discovered 20 years ago by a London rheumatologist, but a simple drug treatment has now increased the chances of a woman having a successful pregnancy from 20 per cent to 70 per cent.
However, some women who remain undiagnosed suffer multiple late miscarriages before the condition is finally spotted and they are offered treatment.
Medical research charity the Arthritis Research Campaign (Arc) is holding an awareness week this week to make both the public and the medical profession more aware of the problem of APS, and provide more general information for women with arthritis on how to cope with pregnancy.
We have produced two brand new booklets, Pregnancy and Arthritis and Antiphospholipid Syndrome which explain how pregnant women can be affected by arthritis and APS, the best types of treatment for both mothers-to-be and their babies, and symptoms to look out for in APS sufferers.
Both booklets are available from the Arc booklet hotline on 01636 677775 or can be downloaded from the Arc website at www.arc.org.uk
DIANE WARING
Arthritis Research Campaign
St Mary's Gate
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S41 7TD
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