Other Moms That Are Having or Have Had Heparin Injections During Pregnancy?

I don't have any first hand experiences with heparin but a friend of mine had to take it thoughout both of her pregnancies and I don't think she had any problems. I don't think she was allowed to take any other over the counter medications. Not even for her headaches. Ouch. By the way, she has had two beautiful, healthy girls the youngest of which was just born in December

Hi (((S.))) - Found this on the internet. Hope it helps.

Women who have this condition are often advised to take low dose aspirin throughout their pregnancy (75 mg daily) on a daily basis to thin the blood. In addition to this, in some cases it may be appropriate for other medication (anticoagula-tion such as warfarin or heparin) to be used to thin the blood further. The majority of women with this problem will be using heparin injections daily throughout the later stages of their pregnancy.

This is an area that is relatively new, and research is ongoing.

Heparin is safe to use in pregnancy, as it does not cross the placenta. It is the most common anticoagulant used, and has been around for a long time. The only concern if heparin is used for a long time (more than six months or so) is that it there may be a risk of osteoporosis in the woman. Pregnancy and breastfeeding themselves cause a temporary thinning of a woman's bones, and being on heparin may make this worse. Both heparin and warfarin are safe to use while breastfeeding and do not have any harmful effects upon the baby.

Warfarin is usually preferred as it can be taken in tablet form and as it avoids the risk of osteoporosis. You do always have a choice. Remember though, that your specialist has your health and your baby's health in mind when he or she gives you advice. The risk of thrombosis is a significant one, and the treatment that is being proposed is a small price to pay to reduce this risk.

Yours sincerely,

The NetDoctor Medical Team

I am currently taking Heperin (5000 2x per day) and 1 asprin a day. It really isn't that bad. I had to do this with my last preg as well. The molecules in the Heperin are too big to pass through the placenta to the baby. The asprin that I am taking is meant to pass to the baby, just incase he has inherited the blood clotting prob I have. The small dose I am taking will not hurt the baby.

I have had no prob taking the Heperin. My stomach looks gross, bruised up, but other than that there really isn't any problems. I will admit that my stomach is a little tender where I put the injections but not really that bad just a little. Make sure when you do the injections not to do it right under the belly button, there is some kind of vein or something there that would really hurt.

OH, the other thing. I use insulin needles (8mm) instead of whatever they originally wanted me to use. These are smaller and seemed to work better for me. There are 1/2 inch insulin needles and 8mm (I think this is right) I like the smaller ones, just shorter.

I just want you to know that you CAN do this. It is a little scary at first but it becomes easier and easier until it's no big deal.

Sorry if I rambled. If you have any questions please feel free to email me.

I have to wonder why they put you on Heparin. I'm not a medical professional, and I've never been on Heparin during pregnancy, but I DO have a lot of medical reference books and I'm going to nursing school. In my books, they talk about Heparin therapy during pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding. The comforting part about it is that Heparin is the ONLY anticoagulant drug (It thins the blood, usually given if you have heart disease or another type of clotting disorder)that does NOT cross the placental barrier. That means that your baby is NOT at risk while you're taking this drug. They will also give Heparin to mothers who have previously had a C-section to treat Septic pelvic thrombophlebitis (clot formation in your pelvis that gets infected and goes to the rest of your body) after you have the baby. If this develops, they'll also put you on an antibiotic (probably penicillin), but that usually happens a few days after you have the baby. I don't know if any of this was helpful, but it sounds like you're safe. The MAIN reason they put pregnant women on Heparin during pregnancy is if they have a clotting disorder. Heparin thins the blood (it's like a really strong asprin) and makes it flow better. That means that your baby is getting more nutrients and less clots, which is a good thing. Also, the baby isn't getting any of the drug itself, only the positive benefits. What YOU need to watch for is your safety. Be careful when you're walking around. If you bump into something, you're likely to bleed a lot. You may get bruises easily, too.

My sister-in-law had to have heparin injections during her pregnancy. She developed a blood clot early on and had to give herself shots throughout. I know she didn't enjoy it but there were no complications from the injections. The dr had to monitor her very closly there at the end in order to prevent excessive bleeding during delivery but otherwise, no unusual problems.

My neice was born by c-section - small but healthy. (She only had 2 of 3 arteries in the umbilicle cord and that was the reason for her small size.) She is now 9 years old, beautiful, intelligent, athletic, and a real joy.

There are several different types of heparin injections out there and they are used for many different reasons. I used heparin injections when I was on IV medications and there were no adverse side effects. Heparin is also a blood thinner and I am not sure how much will get through your placenta to the baby. Just ask your doctor what it is for exactly and make them tell you. Sometime you have to force doctors to tell you everything and if they won't then they aren't a good doctor for you probably.

I know I am a little late in responding, but I just read your request. I was put on Heparin during my last pregnancy (my little girl is now 2 1/2 months old). I have a heart condition and a history of blood clots ~ that's why the doctor put me on the shots. I didn't have any problems except bruising in the injection sites. BUT, make sure you talk to your doctor is you plan to have an epidural. My doctor told me that I could not have one because the risks were too serious...bleeding and/or paralysis (these risks depend on your dosage too, so that's why you should talk to you doctor). They also had to be careful when they put my IV in... My doctor also monitored me VERY carefully after I delivered (the nurse was checking me every hour/on the hour). But, my daughter was fine and I am fine and no longer sticking myself every day. GOOD LUCK!!!!!

S. - I agree with Rachel. It's not that bad - especially considering the alternatives!

I had DVT & PE with my first pregnancy post partum. The dr. put me on Heparin injections throughout my second pregnancy. I was put on 1 shot daily throughout my first trimester. Then it went to 2X daily from the 2nd trimester through 6 weeks postpartum. I didn't have any problems.

Two things to know - if you plan to get an epidural, you need to talk with your doctor about dosages. I didn't know and took my daily shot on the way to the hospital (about 9 am) and when they went to give me the epidural at about 2:30, they had to do PT tests to check to see how thin my blood was. The anethesialogist (I'm sure I butchered that spelling) was worried. If they hit capillaries or something they can paralyze you. Be sure to talk to your doctor so you are prepared. I was able to get an epidural, but had to wait awhile (and was already on lots of pitocin by then. :P) The anethsialogist had a hard time threading the line, so kept having to redo it between contractions - so it took about 30 minutes to get it going. I had a bruise the size of my fist which was the only thing that was sore the next day.

Also - like Rachel said - your stomach will be pretty bruised! My son is 6 1/2 months old and I swear the almost semi-permanent bruise is finally going away (although just to more clearly reveal stretch marks....)

Congratulations!

Dont worry--I have been on heparin since I was 15 weeks pregnant--I am now 29 weeks and thankful for this treatment--I am not sure your miscarriage experiences but I lost 6 babies--2- 2nd trimester and didnt know I needed this treatment until this pregnancy. It is hard at first cause noone like to give themselves shots especially in the belly--but it gets easier--I didnt believe it when the nurse told me it would. I found out had more options to give myself the injections and that helped a lot--the least painful spots on me are along my bikini line along the area if you were to wear lowrise pants..I have learned to press on the area first and if it isnt a very tender area then the shots dont tend to hurt as bad. You will find your best spots by trial and error--some places bruise worse than others..it is all worth it in the end! Hope this helped.