Warfrin and Pregnancy

[ajg6]

TTC, does anybody know if you should stop taking Warfrin prior to trying to conceive and start alternative, or wait till pregnant and then swap? I have bern given conflicting opinions!

[Libsie3103]

Hi, I was on anti coagulants prior to TTC, 4 years ago this December I asked my Consultant if I could change to Clexane before we started TTC. Naively I thought it would happen quickly!!! Any way you can be on them when you’re TTC but you need to switch as soon as you know you’re pregnant as I don’t believe they’re licensed for use in pregnancy. I decided that as we were actively TTC it made sense to come off them ASAP, I’ve been on Clexane since!! xx

[ajg6 in reply to Libsie3103]

I am currently on Warfrin and have been since I had a stroke in 2015, I have been told different things as I was told that Warfrin could cause birth defects but now I have been advised that I could TTC and as soon as I realise I am pregnant to chance to Clexane. I dont mind the injecting as I have done them before. I am only planning on TTC for 6 months and if it doesn't happen then just come to terms that it's nit meant to be. I just know that I would never live with myself if I had a disabled child and know that I would not cope. So what do I do, come off first or do as they advise and TTC and then switch over if it happens. Its so confusing and I can't believe there is no certain definitive answer! I need to know percentages of likelihood that this could or could not happen.

[Libsie3103 in reply to ajg6]

Why don’t you just ask if you can change to Clexane before you start TTC? If that’s what they have advised and you’re concerned about Warfarin that seems a sensible approach? Are you concerned about Clexane in any way (I know you said you don’t mind injecting) I’m not sure if they’d be able to give you the stats for the chance of the baby being affected? They will have to flag it as it won’t be licensed for use in pregnancy. My sister was on warfarin when she got pregnant and just transferred over. You can ask your GP to transfer you for a 2nd opinion. There are hospitals such as Nottingham and Leicester that have more specialist haematology teams and maybe able to advise better?

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi ajg. I would definitely check with your clinic prior to continuing. They may decide to change from warfarin to another anti-coagulant, depending what you are on it for. Alternatively they may change it to a form of heparin e'g' Clexane. Good luck! Diane

[ajg6 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks, i just don't want to do the wrong thing! I don't want to make myself ill or end up with a disabled child due to conflicting advice.