Pregnancy/delivery (in particular c sections) and blood thinners

[Bella_Bee]

Hi ladies,

I'm currently 23 weeks pregnant and so far so good. I have APS and FVL so I'm on 2 dalteparin 5000 injections and a mini aspirin a day.

I am looking to hear your experiences of childbirth on blood thinners, specifically women who have had c sections. Were epidurals or spinal taps a problem? Were you asked to stop in advance? I've had a few miscarriages in the past so I feel like the thinners are whats keeping my baby alive. I'd be terrified to stop. But neither do I even want to attempt the "natural" way. I'm with a good hospital in London so I feel safe with them but I have a few weeks to go for my birth plan and my mind is already racing.

I know this is a bit niche but whatever you can tell me would be appreciated.

Thanks so much

[Seb9]

Congratulations on your pregnancy I was told to stop my thinners 24 hours before an induction or as soon as I thought I was going into labour, as I'd need 24 hours clear before I could have an epidural if I wanted one. I used to give myself my injections before bed and was booked in for Thursday at 1pm so I stopped mine on Tuesday night so I had a good 24hrs clear. I didn't end up getting induced until midnight and had baby at 4am on the Friday.

I had my induction and started back on my injections the following evening.

I had a really good induction experience. It went really well and I didn't end up having an epidural, which I was surprised at as I had one for my first birth and was ready to have one this time round too, but I was ready to push before I had any pain and by then it was too late and had baby almost straight after I asked for it 😁 I just had a pethidine injection as there was no time for the epidural.

I only had a paper cut and had barely any bleeding after at all. I was up and walking round before I left the labour ward and had a nice shower.

I'd definitely recommend doing a hypnobirthing course or listening to an audiobook about it, it definitely helped give me the confidence to ask for my birth to be the way I wanted it. For example I didn't want the hormone pessary to start my induction and asked for the water balloon induction instead, and my wishes were respected. So if you only want a C-section then it's good to be confident to advocate for yourself.

You might also want to have a good chat with your midwife or obstetrician about the recovery from the C-section, 'natural' birth might seem scary to go through, but recovery from a C-section with a newborn is no joke. My friend just had a C-section and she was laid up for days and in hospital for several days whereas I was home in 24hrs and out walking the dog by day 3.

[XOXO13]

Hey! I’m 22 weeks pregnant and on blood thinners - clexane twice a day plus aspirin and have been told to stop at 34 weeks pregnant. I’m also having a c-section for my twins. No advice really other than to say you’re in the best hands so wishing you so much luck xxx

[Bella_Bee in reply to XOXO13]

I remember, our timeliness are so close. Any reason why you're having a c section or is it advised for twins? I'm really keen to have one and trying to build a case for myself. I feel like I shouldn't have to beg for it whilst accepting nhs pressures...

[XOXO13 in reply to Bella_Bee]

My consultant advised that I have a c-section. Currently, I also have a low laying placenta and if that doesn’t move up by 36 weeks, I’ll have to have a c-section anyway. I didn’t fancy pushing two out either 😱 kudos to anyone who does that!

I think it should be your choice as to whether you have a vaginal or c-section birth. Keep pushing for it if that’s what you want! Xx