Doctors at Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, under the M’brace Mother Care, Child Care & Fertility unit, successfully managed a high-risk pregnancy involving a rare bleeding disorder. Through careful planning and coordinated medical care, the team ensured the safe delivery of a healthy baby while protecting the life of the mother.
Rare Genetic Bleeding Disorder Diagnosed Earlier
The patient, Sangeetha (27), wife of a car driver from Chityal in Nalgonda district, had first visited the M’brace outpatient department four years ago with complaints of excessive bleeding. After a detailed evaluation, doctors diagnosed her with Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) – Type 3, a rare inherited genetic disorder that affects the blood’s ability to clot and causes abnormal bleeding.
At that time, the medical team initiated appropriate treatment and managed her condition with medication.
Pregnancy Complicated by Placenta Previa
A few months ago, during her first pregnancy, Sangeetha returned to the hospital at five months’ gestation and continued regular follow-up under specialist care. However, her pregnancy became more complicated when doctors diagnosed central placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta lies low in the uterus and covers the cervical opening, significantly increasing the risk of bleeding during pregnancy and delivery.
Given these risks, doctors initially planned a scheduled Caesarean section to ensure a controlled delivery.
Emergency Surgery Ensures Safe Delivery
However, the situation changed when the patient suddenly developed heavy bleeding earlier than expected. Consequently, the medical team immediately performed an emergency Caesarean section to prevent further complications.
Dr B. Menaka, Senior Consultant, M’brace – Obstetrics and Gynecology, explained that prompt medical intervention played a crucial role in managing the emergency.
As per the press release, the surgery resulted in the safe delivery of a healthy male baby weighing 2.24 kg.
Multidisciplinary Team Ensures Comprehensive Care
Following the delivery, doctors stabilised the mother by administering blood transfusions along with Von Willebrand factor and Factor VIII medications to control bleeding and support clotting.
Importantly, a multidisciplinary team worked together throughout the process. The team included obstetricians, hematologists, anesthesiologists, transfusion medicine specialists, and pediatricians, ensuring comprehensive care for both mother and child.
As a result, both the mother and the newborn recovered well and were discharged in stable condition.
A Rare Case in Obstetric Practice
Dr Menaka highlighted the rarity of the condition. Although bleeding disorders occur in about one in every hundred individuals in the general population, they are extremely rare during pregnancy.
She further explained that Type 3 Von Willebrand Disease is particularly uncommon, affecting approximately one in five million people. In fact, she noted that this was the first pregnancy case involving Type 3 VWD she had encountered in her 25-year medical career.
Symptoms and Importance of Early Diagnosis
According to Dr Menaka, individuals with this inherited disorder often experience excessive bleeding, prolonged bleeding after injuries, oral bleeding, and increased bleeding risk during surgical procedures.
Therefore, early diagnosis and regular medical supervision become crucial, especially during pregnancy.
Role of Support Networks in Treatment
Dr Menaka also pointed out that the patient’s enrolment with the Hemophilia Society played an important role in her care. The support network enabled easier access to specialised treatment, medications, and monitoring, which significantly contributed to the successful management of this high-risk pregnancy.