From the reading I have done, I get the impression that the majority of ladies with aps have their babies at around the 35 weeks gestation - is this the right impression?
If so, for what reasons?
I have an appointment with the obstrecian, on the 28th aug for a 28 week scan and chat.
The pregnancy is going well so far, but birthing options have yet to be discussed. I want to be as prepared a possible and would like to know what I can expect within the coming weeks, what are the risk factors? What questions should I be asking?
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Maybells
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I had a healthy pregnancy 3 yrs ago and then 2 miscarriages, after which APS was diagnosed. I am over 27 weeks pregnant now, taking heparin and aspirin and the baby is growing well. I was told to stop aspirin with 36 weeks. I asked about the necessity of induction of labour but my gyneacologist said it wasn't a problem to take heparin and having a natural birth and just wait till the baby decides to come. Apparently the most important thing after giving birth is that the placenta contracts well enough. Taking blood thinners is not a problem if the contraction is strong enough. The only thing is that an epidural is not really possible if you have taking blood thinners within 12 hours of delivery, but that is not something I really want anyway.
However with the delivery of my daughter I lost more then 2 litres blood (delivery at home and contraction of placenta didn't happen) so they consider to induce in week 39. I have to say though that in the Netherlands they're fairly hesitant to intervene in natural labour, so it is well possible that the advice I get is totally different from other stories you will hear. I am curious to hear what others have to say about this!
Because there is a risk of a clotting event they often like to get bub out as soon as they are considered full term which is around 26 weeks I think. Inductions are often scheduled some time after that. Mine was scheduled for 38 weeks, aspirin stopping a few days before and the clexane the night before but my boy decided he was coming that day anyway! The reason for the induction is so they can regulate when you stop the thinners so as to minimise bleeding and allow for an epidural if needed.
You also should be on blood thinners for at least 6 weeks after the birth as that is a high risk time for a blood clot.
So questions to ask ... will you be induced or allowed to progress without intervention? If induced when will that be and what is involved? Will you need to stop the aspirin and heparin? If so when? Ask him/her to explain why they do any of this. When will you start back on heparin and for how long after birth?
I have APS and I had a healthy pregnancy, gave birth in March. My docs did not suggest inducing me early and I was 41+ 3 when I gave birth. My waters broke naturally then I was induced 24 hours later to bring contractions on. Think they only suggest starting you earlier if they foresee any problems, otherwise it is better for baby to develop to full term in the womb. I was very well throughout pregnancy, I had several growth scans from 20 weeks+ but docs told me they were happy with development and I had a perfect, healthy 6lb baby girl
I began to be traeted for obstetric choleostatsis (whihc can be caused by APS) at about 35 weeks and they decided to induce me at 37.5; this turned into a c-section as my APS was then unknown ( af fct whihc caused a whole hep of problem faterwards), but as they know about yours, im confident you are going to be fine; nevertheles, I would be sking about OC and induction/sections as a posibility. Good luck; you are goin to love every eapet of motherhood (if this ia your first)! 1st 3 months are a total blur. xx
I have APS and had a healthy pregnancy with clexane, aspirin and regular scans.
The obstetrician told me they don't like letting women in my situation go over their due date, it's just not worth the risk when baby is fully developed and ready to be delivered anyway.
I was booked in to be induced on my due date. I discussed this with my midwife as I'd rather avoid an induction if possible, she agreed to do a sweep 3 days before induction to give me a chance at natural labour. I'd been having false starts for a few days anyway.
She also agreed to do another sweep the day before induction if the first failed.
The first sweep worked and I avoided induction. My baby was born the day before his due date.
I stopped taking aspirin at 36wks and took clexane until labour began (then started again after birth)
The obstetrician had said in appointments she was doubtful I'd be allowed a water birth.
On the night it was agreed I'd be allowed (i'd stopped clexane over 12hrs before as advised so i was safe) as long as I had a managed 3rd stage. Baby boy had other ideas and came before I got a chance to get in the pool.
I didn't have a diagnosis with my first two pregnancies but with no3 I did so was placed on heparin injections twice a day and had a planned c-section at 35+2 partly so they cpuld plan and partly I believe because my boys tend to arrive very, very quickly and I'd had a post partum haemorrhage with no1. Good wishes to you and the very best of luck!
Hi, I did not have a diagnosis of Hughes with any of my pregnacies or miscarriages, but, I always got pre-eclampsia and toxemia at the end and had to be induced to save my life and the baby.
Would you mind if I ask you old are you? I'm nearly forty I haven't got any kids yet, and I'm trying for a baby again, after four miscarriages. I have APS and Pre-eclampsia it's something that scared me because of my age.
Hi, I am 49 now. I was 29 when I had my first (live birth) had 2 miscarriages before that baby. And then I had 2 more miscarriages, one second trimester, before I had two more live births. I was sicker with each pregnancy that did not end in miscarriage. I kept asking why is this happening! they said I was allergic to my husband's sperm.... can I say "stupid" ! It was the Hughes! My last baby stopped breathing four times and was in NICU for 10 days. I almost lost her from this dreaded disease. How much better it would have been if I had been treated from day one I will never know.... I think two of my kids have Hughes as well.
Get a good Doctor so you are treated through the whole pregnancy! Best of Luck!
Many thanks for so many responses. I'm really pleased to hear so many positive outcomes! My anxiety levels are beginning to rise as I get closer to the 30 week mark as I previously gave birth to my daughter at 33 weeks gestation (also have had 5 1st tri miscarriages), however I was undiagnosed and unmedicated then. This has been a totally different pregnancy, but have suffered with acute sickness, spd, occasional spotting (attributed to anti-coagulants) .
You've all given me loads to think about and I now have plenty of questions to ask the consultant. I am also feeling a little more at ease :), so thanks again xxx
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