[AmyLM]

I have a blood clotting disorder that requires I'm on a blood thinning medication (coumadin) when not pg and a different med (lovenox) when I am pg. My primary care doctor told me that when I become pregnant to stop the coumadin immediately because it can cause birth defects. Okay, that was the plan, which I stuck to with this last pregnancy. Well, after the loss, I decided to do a bit of research on this drug. According to the information insert that comes with the drug (which I had to look up on line) it reccomends that a women of child bearing years NOT take this medication. If the woman becomes pregnant and the pregnancy actually takes, it reccomends termination because the defects it causes are really bad. Ummmmm.....didn't my doctor know that? I'm so upset about this. I have an appointment with a new OB on Sept 2 but I hate waiting. I'm sure you can all relate when I say I want a plan in effect RIGHT NOW. It just stresses me out because I don't know what this new doctor is going to tell me. I just hope he and I will be on the same page. I wasn't on Coumadin when I got pg with my daughter. I didn't know I had this clotting disorder until they tested me for it. As of right now, I'm not taking that drug and I won't take it again while TTC.

[msshamis23]

Yeah definitely get another ob's opinion. While I know most every type of medication there is says to consult your doctor if your a pregnant, not all (well none that i've come in contact with...) medications warn you not to take them even while TTC. I'd do what you are doing, and stop taking them until you get another opinion. (Unless it's dangerous for you to stop) There has to be something in the middle that won't be harmful to take while TTC.

But definitely all for the PLAN RIGHT NOW!

[ohnicole]

My sister had to take coumadin as well for a heart issue, and although it's not specific to your situation, I just wanted to share that the guidelines for patients with artificial heart valves is actually to stay on coumadin for most of the pregnancy.

They are only to go on heparin/Lovenox from 6-12 weeks (for the risk of birth defects during that specific development period) and after 36 weeks (for control of bleeding during delivery). So although it's a great idea to have a discussion with your doctor, I think if you WERE to get pregnant in the mean time and catch it with a BFP right around the time of AF being due, you would be in plenty of time to switch safely to Lovenox before the 6 week mark. I just don't want you to risk have a clot during the couple weeks before your appointment.

Good luck talking with your OB!

[AmyLM]

Thank you for sharing that Nichole. I like to get as much information about it that I can. Right now I am on Lovenox. I started it when I got my bfp with my loss. So, I'll stay on it at least until I see my OB. I also am talking with another girl on the high risk board that has almost the exact medical history as I do. She will be TTC soon and has an appointment with her OB the day before I do. So, it will be interesting to see if hers says the same things mine does.

[ohnicole]

I am glad you can stay on the Lovenox now to ease your mind until you talk to your OB. It sounds like a great plan.

By the way, I also have a clotting disorder and will need to go on Lovenox when I get a BFP. Have you found the shots really difficult?

[AmyLM]

Actually the shots aren't that bad. Occasionally it will sting but goes away after a minute or so. Your abdomen will get all bruised up from them, too. I never got annoyed with taking them or anything, I just kept in mind that it was for the health and well-being for me and my baby.

[MeganMomof5]

I'm sorry, i'm no help, but i agree that you should get a 2nd Opinion...I just tested positive for a clotting disorder too...Can I ask which one you tested positive for? I tested + for lupus anticoag phospholipid.

[AmyLM]

I have Factor V Leiden. I had a pulmonary embolism (twice, actually) a few years ago but they didn't test me for it until I got pg with my daughter.