Factor V Leiden & heparin

[Jonezy16]

Hi Ladies!

I just wanted to know if anyone else has Factor V Leiden (which form: hetero or homozy)  and is taking daily heparin shots?  Basically, I have been given the option as to whether or not I would like to start this b/c I have been diagnosed with Factor V (the hetero form - the not soo serious one).....I am just concerned b/c the doctor said that if I do go on these injections that they would have to induce me 1 week earlier than my due date.  I was wondering why they have to induce and why 1 week earlier?  I am also contemplating: do I start these shots and do the very best for my baby (I've had 2 previous losses for unknown reasons in the past)   or just continue with my daily dose of baby aspirin?  What are your thoughts? Opinions?  Any information is great.....

Thanks!

[MaryAK]

Hi, I have Factor V also and give myself daily shots of Lovenox.  After 2 losses, I was tested and found that I have this.  I am now 23 weeks pregnant.  The shots are worth it to me.  My doctor will also be delivering my baby at 39 weeks.  This is because the blood thinners have to be controlled.  In other words, she doesn't want to risk me going into labor with the blood thinner in my system b/c of the bleeding risk and b/c I won't be able to get an epidural.  The plan is to stop the shots 24 hours before being induced.  I am perfectly okay with that as long as my baby is healthy and full term!  Good luck to everyone in this situation.  I'm just glad we live in 2009 where they even know to check for such a medical condition.

[bny807]

hello! i dont have factor V but i do have another clotting disorder, and i'm homozygous for that.. i had 4 losses before we found out that i had the disorder.. I have been on asprin, folic acid, b vitamins and heparin most of the pregnancy...   I will also have to be induced early.. the reason is that they dont want you going into labor while the blood thinners (even asprin) are still in your system.. I will start getting non stress tests and fetal fibronectin tests once a week starting at 30 weeks, just to make sure there are no signs of labor coming...
    its impossible to say if you should or shoudnt do the shots.. many people that are heterozygous for a disorder are just fine with the baby asprin ( i have a friend who had 4 losses and the baby asprin has given her two babies! - no heparin).  If your dr is recommending them it might be a good idea, just to be safe.. it woudl be horrible to have anything happen at this point in your pregnancy that might be able to be prevented..you might try the fertilty forum and see if anyone on there or the other pregnancy forums is heterozygous and what they did.. i'd talk to your dr more  as well, and weigh risks benefits of starting the shots at this point in yoru pregnancy.. GOOD LUCK!!!!!