Shilpa Shetty Kundra has often been candid about life with her followers and fans. In a similar vein, the actor once opened up about suffering from APLA, or Antiphospholipid Antibodies, a group of antibodies that increase the risk of blood clots, due to which she sustained miscarriages before opting for surrogacy for the birth of her second child in 2020.
“After Viaan, I did want to have another child for the longest time. But I suffered from an autoimmune disease called APLA, and that came into play every time I got pregnant. So I had a couple of miscarriages, so it was a genuine issue,” she told Pinkvilla in 2020.
“I didn’t want Viaan to grow up as a single child, because I’m also one of two, and I know how important it is to have a sibling. Coming from that thought, I did explore other ideas as well, but that didn’t pan out well. At a time when I wanted to adopt, I had put in my name, and everything was underway. But then, the Christian missionary shut down because they had a tiff with CARA. I waited for nearly four years, and then I was so irritated and we decided to try the surrogacy route,” said Shilpa Shetty.
But what exactly is ALPA, and how does it affect a woman’s chances of full-term pregnancy?
Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, explained that APLA is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks normal proteins in the blood, leading to abnormal blood clotting.
“This condition becomes especially concerning, mainly during pregnancy, as it can cause clots in the placenta, reducing blood flow to the baby. Unfortunately, this causes repeated miscarriages, stillbirths, or complications like preeclampsia and preterm delivery. Women with APLA often don’t realise they have it until they experience recurrent pregnancy losses or unexplained blood clots,” said Dr Surabhi.
Dr Rashmi Niphadkar, fertility specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Baner, Pune, explained that there may be issues with the embryo getting implanted in the uterus, and women with APLA may also have low quantities and quality of eggs. “In men, the antibodies may have been linked to penile and testicular abnormalities,” said Dr Rashmi.
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Here’s why the chances of blood clots increase (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Diagnosis is done through blood tests. “Early diagnosis of APLA is critical, and this becomes crucial especially when planning for pregnancy. If women are repeatedly having miscarriages, it is ideal to consult a fertility specialist who can further check if any autoimmune disorder test is needed,” said Dr Rashmi.
With proper treatment consisting of blood thinners, many women with APLA can conceive successfully and fulfill the dream of motherhood, emphasised Dr Surabhi. “Moreover, women should keep in mind that it is necessary to inform their doctor about any history of miscarriage, clotting, or autoimmune conditions. Close monitoring and early diagnosis can make a big difference and help with successful conception,” Dr Surabhi noted.
Women with APLA should be under the care of a high-risk pregnancy specialist to ensure both mother and baby stay healthy.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
