Some women have an immune condition called APS. It makes the blood clot too easily. In pregnancy, those clots can block blood flow to the placenta, which is the organ that feeds the baby.

When that happens, it can lead to high blood pressure, a baby who grows too slowly, early birth, or the loss of a pregnancy.

Right now, doctors treat APS in pregnancy with low-dose aspirin and a blood thinner. It helps. But many women still have problems even with treatment.

What's new

In September 2026, the FDA gave a special fast-track status to a medicine called Cimzia for pregnant women with APS.

In a study, women took Cimzia along with their usual treatment. About 2 out of 10 had a serious problem with the pregnancy. In the past, with usual treatment alone, it was closer to 4 out of 10. Most babies were born around 36 weeks, and 93 out of 100 went home from the hospital.

What this means

Fast-track status means the FDA will review it faster. It does not mean the medicine is approved yet. This was an early study with a small number of women. More research is needed.

APS is rare. This news matters most if you already know you have it.

Should you ask about this?

Talk to your doctor if you have been told you have APS, or if you have had more than one miscarriage, high blood pressure in a past pregnancy, or a blood clot.

A note from BirthEzy

APS is a high-risk condition. It needs hospital care with a specialist, so it is not something we can care for at the birth center.

We share news like this because understanding your own health helps you ask better questions. If you are not sure whether you are high risk, ask us early. It is always a good question.

Source: Reported by Diana Ernst, RPh, MPR. Findings from the Phase 2 IMPACT study, NCT03152058.

Co-lead investigator Dr. Jane E. Salmon of the Hospital for Special Surgery called the designation an encouraging step.

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