Pregnancy

[fluffy_kitten]

I am currently taking warfarin but am worried getting pregnant and the complications that may occur, does anyone have any advice please?

[MaryF Administrator]

Do you have a a good GP and easy to access rheumatologist/haematologist, as this is the starting point, as certainly for my pregnancies I required a different form of 'thinners' ie framin. If you are correctly advised and supported it should all be very clear in terms of your care and medication. Lots of people will have advice for you on here. Where are you located, as others near you, geographically speaking may have some pointers! Mary F x

[jessielou]

Hi hon

As long as you discuss with medical team, before getting pregnant, they will probably put you on aspirin and heparin injections during pregnancy.

Do you have a haematologist or rheumy involved in your care?

Hope this helps.

Take care gentle hugs love Sheena xxxxxx

[tassie]

Warfarin and pregnancy are mutually exclusive so you will need to discuss with your medical team about switching to heparin as soon as you get pregnant or some will let you switch to heparin whilst trying to conceive.

I host a Hughes Pregnancy Support online group if you would like to join us.

[Hidden in reply to tassie]

Hi Tassie

Is this the yahoo group: health.groups.yahoo.com/gro...?

I'm only asking as I want to include it in our new website links and didn't want to miss out on any pregnancy groups that are out there.

[tassie in reply to Hidden]

yes that is the one

[emmaj]

I started aspirin before conceiving and commenced heparin injections as soon as i found out i was pregnant, discuss with your consultant before getting pregnant - i personally wouldnt risk the worry of trying while on warfarin - and please please please request high dose foluc acid (5mg) before conceiving - anyone who is at risk of placenta problems should take this - i lost a few pregnancies befoe a consultant suggested it to me and it was the only pregnancy i didnt bleed with - it cant do any harm but its the building blocks of any organ and the placenta is the fastest most demanding growing organ you'll ever have and a helping hand is eeded x

[kwise]

I agree with emmaj about the folic acid as well. Also I meet with my high risk ob and then had a plan in place. My first son we did fertility treatment so I was just on aspirin and then as soon as pregnancy confirmed or missed period I went to my general dr and started on lovenox and vitamins and such. With my second son it was a complete surprise however I was lucky because I was paying attention to my cycles and caught it. So once again gen dr started me on the lovenox and it was several weeks before I went to the ob and started seeing them frequently I was induced with both boys so they could monitor my meds and take the babes as soon as safe for them which ends up being exactly two weeks before their due date. I have two crazy boys and it was worth it every shot!!!

[Renae]

You need to be on heparin or lovenox during pregnancy. Coumadin or warafrin is a large molecule drug and all large molecule drugs cross the placenta. Please talk to your doctor if you are trying toconceive.

[SassyOne]

They are right, consult your dr. I have a beautiful 1 year old daughter. She was a surprise. I didn't realize I was pregnant until I was more than 12 weeks & had bleeding until about 20 weeks. I was put on heparin injections. I was a nervous wreck no knowing what was causing all of the complications. If I knew that I had APS I would have been even more scared, but my pregnancy would have been better managed. It's nearly impossible to "not worry" but If you are under the careful watch of a good physician it should put your mind at ease. Don't be afraid to ask questions & educate yourself. Good luck, it is all worth it in the end

[grovet29]

Hello, I have gotten pregnant 4 times while on warafin... Initially I was put on lovenox while trying to conceive and it was taking awhile, so I went back on warafin and the second I found out I was pregnant I switched to lovenox that very day, and had that same experience with all 4 pregnancies. I have 4 healthy baby boys with no complications from the very minimal warafin exposure. I found out so early each time that I was able to be switched to lovenox before we could even see a heartbeat. hope this helps!

Tammi

[pumpkincake]

I would have to say that if trying to concieve you should NOT be on Coumadin/Warfarin. That is a huge risk in my opinion.

I copied this from a site about Coumadin:

Do not use Warfarin if you are pregnant. It has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Warfarin is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Warfarin, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Warfarin Pregnancy Warnings

Warfarin has been assigned to pregnancy category X by the FDA. Problems associated with perinatal administration of warfarin have included central nervous system defects, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, prematurity, hemorrhage, and ocular defects when given anytime during pregnancy, and a fetal warfarin syndrome when given during the first trimester. Warfarin is considered contraindicated during pregnancy.

In my opinion...it is not worth the risk. I lost many pregnancies prior to being diagnosed and used sub-q heparin injections then. As most everyone said...Lovenox is the way to go.

Best of Luck...

[Hidden]

Hello. I had to have twice daily fragmin injections from 12 weeks pregnant through to 6 (i inaccurately quoted 12 weeks in my question - sorry) post delivery. I self administered into my tummy until i felt it more comfortable to inject alternately into the tops of my thighs. It sounds awful but was actually ok and although my thighs looked like a B&Q colour chart it was best for me and baby. Best wishes.