Mandy Moore Can't Have Epidural for Baby's Birth Due to Thrombocytopenic Purpura; What's the Cause?

Mandy Moore will not get an epidural or pain medication when she gives birth to her second child in the fall following her diagnosis of a rare blood disorder called thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Speaking with Today, the 38-year-old celebrity mom said she would remain unmedicated when delivering her second child because her platelets are "too low" for the pain medication. She had gone the same road before when she had August in February 2021.

Moore said that giving birth without an epidural was an awful experience, but she's ready to do it one more time for their second child. However, the "This is Us" star assured her fans that she is generally fine and getting her blood levels checked regularly until she gives birth.

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What's the cause of Thrombocytopenic Purpura?

Per Mayo Clinic, ITP happens when the immune system attacks and destroys platelets by mistake. It may lead to purple bruises and reddish-purple dots on the skin.

Children may develop this through a viral infection like the mumps or the flu and then recover from it without problems. On the other hand, adults could develop ITP due to viral infections like HIV or hepatitis or bacterial infection like H. pylori in stomach ulcers.

ITP may be long-term in adults, but many will not require any treatment unless the platelet count is a concern for the doctors. The treatment works to boost the platelet count. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the spleen.

Thrombocytopenic purpura may have no symptoms, but some patients will easily bleed excessively. They might also see blood in their urine or stool and gums and noses. Women with ITP may have heavier menstrual flow. This rare blood disorder is more prominent in female patients.

Due to her low platelets, Moore could suffer from bleeding problems that could cross the placenta and impact the baby in her womb. Moore could injure her spinal cord and develop complications if she has an epidural.

Mandy Moore focuses on her and her baby's health

Moore was supposed to go on a music tour but decided to cut short her plans in June when her health became at risk. She said the shows were booked before learning that she was in the family way.

The actress and singer said in a statement posted on Instagram that the best place for her to be at the moment is at home, resting. She said she doesn't have any regrets about giving up work for the sake of her unborn child.

Moore said in a podcast interview via Dr. Berlin's Informed Pregnancy that she has never hesitated going through an unmedicated pregnancy delivery as being a mom to a child is a different kind of love.

"I couldn't imagine anything else mattering," the actress said.

Meanwhile, Moore had been on tour with her husband and first-born child in tow, and since they covered some of it, she was able to create many memories with her family.

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