Last year, Mandy Moore, 38, celebrated as she brought her son Gus into the world. Known for her roles in This Is Us, A Walk to Remember, and Saved (among many others), Mandy knew she was ready for a new role: motherhood. However, shares an article from Kayla Blanton in Prevention, Gus’ birth was difficult. During the delivery, Mandy’s platelet counts began to rapidly fall. As this happened, her son’s heart rate also fell. Unable to receive an epidural, Mandy went through the delivery process unmedicated. Her son, she shares, was absolutely worth it. Initially, Mandy and her doctors thought that she might have gestational thrombocytopenia. However, additional testing found another condition: immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a rare blood disorder.
Now, as her second child’s delivery date looms on the horizon, Mandy is doing all that she can to prepare. Due to her ITP, she will still be unable to receive an epidural. She must also undergo frequent testing to monitor her platelet counts. Although she has attempted to eat some perceptively platelet-boosting foods, she has still had difficulty increasing her platelet counts.
Despite her diagnosis, Mandy looks forward to welcoming her new child into her life – and promises fans that she is doing well in the meantime.
About Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
Formerly known as idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a rare bleeding disorder characterized by abnormally low platelet levels. Normally, platelets help with clotting and stop bleeding. However, in ITP, the immune system develops antibodies against platelets. As the immune system reacts and attacks the platelets, the platelets are destroyed, causing low levels and related health effects. This may occur due to a variety of causes: viral infection, leukemia or lymphoma, immune system disorders, pregnancy, or certain medications – although in some cases, the cause is still unknown. ITP may be acute (resolving in a few weeks) or chronic (lasting 6 months+). ITP affects females more than males, and children more than adults. Symptoms can, but do not always, include:
- Platelet counts under 100,000
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Bloody vomit, urine, or stool
- Heavy menstruation
- Bleeding under the skin, which causes tiny red dots
- Abnormal bleeding in the mouth and gums
- Cranial bleeding
