Pregnancy after deep vein thrombosis

Posted by Sherri on May 24, 1999 at 13:35:16
I am a 30 year old female in good health.  After the birth by c-section of my daughter 12-20-97 I developed a serious infection in the c- site followed by a ilieo-femoral DVT in my left leg.  This landed me in the hospital for 3 weeks on and off.  I was on coumadin for 6 mos and required PT for my contracted calf muscle.  I am fine now and considering another pregnancy.  I should also mention that I am Factor V heterozygous which may have been a precipitating factor as well.  I have seen a hematologist who said another pregnancy is not contraindicated, but my OB does not want to treat me again.  What is the protocol for a patient like myself?  I have heard everything from Aspirin during pregnancy to IV heparin (Yikes!)  And for what duration should I be on blood thinners?  Thanks for your input!!

Posted by hfhs.md.rcs on May 24, 1999 at 22:24:08
Dear Sherri:
A personal history of deep vein thrombosis is not a contra-indication to a pregnancy. However, pregnancy is a change in physiology that predisposes to blood clotting and a history of thrombosis puts one at greater risk for a second thrombosis. Finally, you have a clotting factor anomaly (I assume you mean that you have an abnormal factor five, Leiden).
Baby ASA is helpful in reducing platelet-activated clotting. For patients who have an abnormal clotting factor, heparin is the best therapy. It is given in small doses twice daily by injection under the skin (much the same way a diabetic patient gives themself insulin each day).
Keywords: thrombophlebitis, pregnancy
This information is provided for education purposes and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please speak with your healthcare provider.