Heparin injections during pregnancy as a factor five leiden carrier

Hello Doctor,

I am 28 years old and im 19 weeks pregnant with my first child. I have a family history of blood disorders,,,my dad has deep vein thrombosis heriteded from his father. I had done the tests and today the midwife called and said that i should go in the hospital to take a shot ( i guess heparin shot) and she will teach me how to do the daily injection on my own during all the pregnancy. I dont know if im a heterozygosys or homozygosys carrier, thing that i will know tomorrow. I would like to ask if it is safe to take heparin shots daily during pregnancy, and what type of preventative medicine do doctors use in USA when a pregnant woman is a carrier of factor v leiden ( as i live in europe and not in USA).
Waiting for your suggestions and help.

Thank you very much,
S.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
For heterozygous carriers of the Factor V leiden gene who have NOT had any episodes of  thrombosis or embolus, I think many doctors would feel comfortable watching and waiting, OR treating with prophyllactic doses of unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin (here in the US it is Lovenox).  For a homozygous carrier who has not had any episodes of thrombosis, I believe most doctors would treat with at least prophyllactic doses of either of the two types of heparin.  Lovenox has fewer side effects/complications but is much more expensive than unfractionated heparin.

Neither of the types of heparin crosses the placenta, so neither affects the baby.

The riskiest time period is the first 6 weeks post partum, so medication should be continued for at least that long--after delivery Coumadin (oral) can be used.

I"ve done the injections to myself--they're not too bad once you get used to them!

Good luck!
Dr B