Connection Between Blood Clotting Disorders and Implantation Failures

ByRohan Sharma
Updated: 18 Jun 2025, 4:03 pm

While blood clotting disorders and implantation failures are generally considered separate issues, there have been cases where they are linked. Blood clotting disorders can affect the uterine environment, making it harder for the embryo to properly implant in the uterus.

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Blood clotting disorders can sometimes affect the early stages of pregnancy, including implantation, which may increase the risk of pregnancy loss. This can happen even with treatments like IVF. Understanding these conditions allows you to protect your chances of a healthy pregnancy.

In this article:


Consult a healthcare expert about the potential risks of your pregnancy due to blood clotting disorders, whether you are conceiving naturally or via IVF. Thus, you can start the treatment based on the recommendation of your healthcare expert.

It is important to identify the underlying issues so that your medications and dosages can be properly evaluated. Additionally, if you are undergoing IVF, this condition might increase the risk of implantation failure. To prevent any further complications, it’s best to schedule appointments for regular monitoring.


Blood Clotting Disorders: An Overview

Blood clotting disorders affect how your blood clots, which is important for stopping bleeding. If your blood clots too easily or not enough, it can cause problems like excessive bleeding or dangerous clots.

During pregnancy, these disorders may increase the risk of complications such as miscarriage or implantation issues.


Types of blood clotting disorders

Blood clotting disorders during pregnancy are of two types: inherited and acquired.


  • Inherited (Genetic) Thrombophilias

Inherited or genetic thrombophilias are passed down through families and can increase the risk of abnormal blood clots. Common types include:

  • Protein C deficiency: A condition where the body lacks enough protein C, which helps control blood clotting.
  • Protein S deficiency: Similar to protein C deficiency; protein S also helps prevent clots.
  • Antithrombin III deficiency: A rare disorder that limits the body's ability to stop clot formation.
  • Factor V Leiden mutation: A genetic change that makes blood more likely to clot.
  • Prothrombin G20210A mutation: A mutation that causes higher levels of prothrombin (a clotting protein), increasing the risk of blood clots.

  • Acquired Thrombophilias

Acquired thrombophilias result from autoimmune diseases. Common types include:

  • Antiphospholipid syndrome: An autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks normal proteins in the blood, increasing clot risk.
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia: A condition with high levels of homocysteine (an amino acid) in the blood, which can damage blood vessels and increase clotting.

Symptoms of blood clotting disorders

Blood clotting disorders can often be asymptomatic. Therefore, diagnosing these can often be a challenge. It’s best to consult healthcare experts to analyse all the signs and detect the underlying issues affecting your fertility. Common symptoms of blood clotting disorders include the following:

  • Repeated implantation failure
  • Multiple miscarriages
  • Chest pain
  • Signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
  • Pain in the back of the leg


Implantation Failure: An Overview

Implantation failure is when the fertilised embryo does not attach itself to the lining of the uterus, which is very important for pregnancy. Implantation happens naturally during pregnancy. However, in the case of ART, especially IVF, the risk of implantation failure increases.

Causes of implantation failure

  • Infection
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Embryo quality

Symptoms of implantation failure

  • Heavy menstrual-like bleeding
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Severe cramping
  • Negative pregnancy tests
  • Absence of typical early pregnancy symptoms

Impact of Blood Clotting Disorders on Implantation and Fertility

Thrombophilias and other blood clotting disorders can significantly impact pregnancy and fertility. These disorders can result in a number of issues that make it more difficult to conceive.

  • Embryo implantation failure

Thrombophilias cause small blood clots in the uterine lining, which can block the embryo from implanting properly. This makes it difficult for you to get pregnant and leads to failed implantation.

  • Endometrial dysfunction

Clotting disorders can cause inflammation in the uterine lining, affecting its ability to support a pregnancy. A healthy lining is crucial for implantation, and any disruption can prevent pregnancy from progressing.

  • Placental development issues

Blood clotting disorders can affect placental development. Without a healthy placenta, your baby may not receive enough nutrients and oxygen, leading to miscarriage or other complications.

  • Biochemical pregnancies

If you have a blood clotting disorder, you may be at higher risk of experiencing biochemical pregnancies, where the embryo doesn’t develop as expected. This can result in early pregnancy loss.

  • Recurrent miscarriages

Blood clotting disorders increase your risk of recurrent miscarriages, especially during the first and second trimesters. Clots in the placenta can restrict the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the baby, leading to miscarriage.

  • ART complications

If you are undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatments like IVF, blood clotting disorders can make conception more difficult. The risk of implantation failure is higher, reducing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

  • Impaired uterine blood flow

Blood clots in the uterine blood vessels can limit the oxygen and nutrient supply to the uterine lining. This makes it harder for the lining to support embryo implantation.



Treatment of Blood Clotting Disorders

If you have a blood clotting disorder, managing it properly is important to prevent complications like stroke, miscarriage, and other serious health issues. Treatment options include:

  • Blood thinners (Anticoagulants)

Blood thinners are the main treatment for most blood clotting disorders. They work by reducing your blood’s ability to clot, preventing dangerous blood clots. Common blood thinners include:

  • Aspirin: This is often used to reduce the risk of clotting, especially in conditions like antiphospholipid syndrome or if you have had recurrent miscarriages.
  • Heparin: Commonly used during pregnancy as it does not pass through the placenta, making it safe for both you and your baby.
  • Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin (LMWH): This is easier to use as it’s injected once or twice a day and can be done at home. It’s often used for pregnant individuals to prevent clots.
Your doctor ultimately decides which anticoagulant is right for you, based on your health history and specific clotting disorder.

  • Lifestyle changes

Making certain lifestyle adjustments can also help manage your condition and reduce the risk of clots:

  • Balanced diet: A diet rich in vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants can support your vascular health. Foods high in folate, like leafy greens and lentils, can help if you have high homocysteine levels.
  • Regular exercise: Simple activities, such as walking or swimming, can boost blood circulation and reduce your risk of clotting.
  • Healthy Weight: Excess weight can increase the risk of blood clots and affect your fertility, so keeping a healthy weight is important.

  • Folate supplements

If you have high homocysteine levels or certain genetic mutations, your doctor might recommend folic acid supplements. This helps lower homocysteine and improve vascular health.

  • Stress management

Stress can make clotting disorders worse by triggering inflammation. Reducing stress with practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help improve your overall health.


Blood Clotting Disorders Diagnosis in Early Pregnancy

If you are experiencing frequent implantation failures, it may indicate a pattern of early pregnancy loss, which can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions. It’s important to monitor these conditions closely for proper management and support.

Healthcare experts can diagnose them in early pregnancy. Some of the common blood clotting disorders diagnosed due to early pregnancy include the following:

  • Blood tests to detect clotting problems and autoimmune disorders
  • Monitoring your medical history and symptoms
Blood clotting disorders can make it harder to get pregnant. If you notice any symptoms early in your pregnancy, it's important to see a doctor and start treatment right away.

If you are having IVF, the risk is higher. It's best to speak with a healthcare professional before moving forward. Early intervention is key to reducing risks and ensuring the best possible outcome.


FAQs on The Connection Between Blood Clotting Disorders and Implantation Failures

  1. Can blood clotting disorders cause infertility?
    Blood clotting disorders often increase the risk of infertility and may cause numerous other pregnancy-related risks. Furthermore, it might also pose some infertility risks, which is why it's best to consult healthcare professionals.
  2. What blood disorder causes miscarriages?
    Antiphospholipid syndrome is known to cause miscarriages. This disease creates antibodies which attack the lining of the blood and lead to foetal damage.
  1. Can blood clotting disorders cause infertility?
    Blood clotting disorders often increase the risk of infertility and may cause numerous other pregnancy-related risks. Furthermore, it might also pose some infertility risks, which is why it's best to consult healthcare professionals.
  2. What blood disorder causes miscarriages?
    Antiphospholipid syndrome is known to cause miscarriages. This disease creates antibodies which attack the lining of the blood and lead to foetal damage.
Disclaimer: Medically approved by Dr Sapna Raina, Senior Consultant, Clinical Lead, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru