Tinzaparin (blood thinning) injections

[MsJuniper]

I had a CS on Wednesday and was told afterwards that I'd have to have blood thinning injections for 10 days afterwards. I've injected insulin throughout my pregnancy and assumed it would be like that but it's really not and I am struggling with them.

The needle seems massive and I am not sure how best to inject them. The mw said to do so in my tummy but while I was in hospital they were using my thigh so I've carried on with that as for some reason I feel more squeamish about my tummy.

I thought she said to inject at a 90deg angle but when looking up information online it said 45deg angle so worried I have misremembered. It also says to avoid muscles but I guess my thigh has these.

I know I can ring them and I'm not expecting professional medical advice but I feel like a prize idiot so I thought maybe someone here could reassure me I'm not the only one who has found it hard and any tips welcome.

I had to do these every day for 9 months when I was pregnant 😩 but once my bump started growing I found it easier to do them into my thighs, which my doctor said was fine.

I just used to pinch an inch of flesh, then push the needle slowly but firmly in, then push the syringe part down while counting to five. They were pretty grim, but worth it to get my gorgeous DD.

Congrats on your new arrival - the injections will be over before you know it!

They’re definitely supposed to be given in the tummy, same level as your tummy button but a bit further round to the side. Like PP said try and pinch up some flesh and Inject it there. I’ve always given them at a 90degree angle (am a midwife) but I’m used to clexane not tinzaparin but it’s very similar. I should imagine the 45 degree angle is just to ensure you don’t hit muscle as it won’t be as effective if you inject into muscle.

Thank you both so much. I realise lots of people have to take them every day so I feel like a wuss complaining about my 10 day run. I've womanned up and done the tummy pinch since yesterday.

I have been prescribed tinzaparin due to risk factors of developing blood clots. I am very concerned about birth defects or worse on my unborn baby. Does anyone have a story to share as I am having sleepless nights over whether or not I should take them

I have taken Heparin since my embryo transfer - suggest you use your thigh after a CS to avoid skin infection in the area around your wound. Pinch your thigh hard (top of thigh is usually the best) and when you inject only put in the bare minimum of needle - don’t go all the way up to the plastic as that will hurt.

Hi Kemoy, I know it’s been a while but just wondered if you did take them? I’m in the exact same boat now. I am 5 weeks and worried about taking them or whether they will harm my baby. Did you take them? Please share!

Hi @MrsBB27 congratulations on your pregnancy! I took tinzaparin when pregnant with my DD and it was absolutely fine, it’s very safe. I was pretty neurotic about everything in pregnancy due to a traumatic previous loss but my consultant was very reassuring - maybe you could chat it through with yours? I can’t remember when I started taking it but it was quite early on, and my DD is absolutely fine - she’s 3 now and lying in bed singing when she should be asleep!

Good luck, I know it’s such a worrying time but for me the blood thinners were a very positive experience - they are what made sure she got here safely.

Hi Alldays thank you so much for your reply! I too have had two traumatic losses and couldn’t bear going through another. This is so reassuring for me. I’m waiting on the consultant to call me. I spoke with the miscarriage nurse today who said to stay the tinzaparin but I was still unsure. Thanks so much for your feedback and how lovely to hear about your little princess 🥰🥰

@MrsBB27 just echoing the advice above - injectable blood thinners are perfectly safe for baby, they don't cross the placenta but they will be helpful in preventing a miscarriage that might relate to a blood clot, so make sure you stick with them and give yourself the best chance of keeping baby on board! They got me through pregnancy safely. Best of luck to you

Thank you so much Shakethedisease! I really needed this advice and feel reassured that I am doing the right thing. About to have injection number one now thank you 😊❤️

I had to injection tinzaparin every day with my daughter and again now with this pregnancy (which I am finding much hard this time around) but my beautiful daughter couldn’t be more perfect and the injections cause no problems what so ever. She wouldn’t be here without them.