Has anyone had dvt/ pulmenary embolism in pregnancy and how did it affect your labour?

[Jo1977anne]

Hi, I'm 33 weeks pregnant and started with breathlessness/ fainting about a month ago. Had scan and was dx with too much amniotic fluid and told they'd scan again in 4 weeks. In meantime I saw midwife and was so low/ breathless she sent me back for a 2nd opinion - scan found large clot in my leg and they are now treating me as if have dvt and a clot on my lung but won't scan lungs because of radiation risk. When in Hosp last week they gave me steroid inj for baby and consultant said she'd arrange a c-section at 37 weeks as doesn't think I'd cope with 2nd stage of labour.
Been home a week and saw her yesterday and she said complete opposite when I asked abt c-section; saying she'd give me one if I wanted one, but otherwise thought a planned induction and early epidural would be fine! I'm worried I won't cope with the breathing in labour as even making a sandwich makes me breathless and faint, but am also worried abt the risks of a c-section. Wondered if anyone else has been through this. Can't seem to find info on which is safest form of birth for baby and myself.
Thanks x

Have you seen a haemotologist ? I had a p.e (multiple clots actually) whilst pregnant and he made all the decisions. I really think you should be able to see a consultant in that area as well.

I was able to have a vq lung scan (I opted for that instead on a CT scan as I researched it & found it was safer in pregnancy). My breathlessness reduced a couple of weeks after starting fragmin. If you are still so breathless that it is affecting you a lot, I really think they should look into what is happening with your lungs at the moment in case you need more treatment.

In answer to your question about labour - I had a c-section as natural labour wasn't an option for a few reasons. Unfortunately I went into labour straight after taking a dose of fragim which meant I had to have a general anaesthetic and a transfusion, but it was all okay in the end

I hope your consultant gets to the bottom of this soon for you.

Thank you. Last week in hospital I was told I'd see a haematologist but there was no mention of seeing one when I saw my consultant yesterday and I forgot to ask. They've not confirmed the pe as they say the only way to do so will expose the baby to radiation and it's the same treatment whether my leg or chest. I'll chase up the appointment with the haematologist x

Hi,

I am back again! I just remembered that I also had an echocardiogram to check my heart was coping after the clots. My experience was that the staff in obstetrics were pretty hopeless as they had never met a pregnant woman with a pulmonary embolism and they didn't seem to have a clue what to do with me. Apart from sending lots of medical students in with clipboards to ask me questions

It took about a month to see the haemotologist, but it was really worth it as he knew what he was talking about & it was the first time I felt reassured. He kept in touch with my consultant and then, when I did do into labour, they doctors were able to phone him for advice about what they should do.

I hope you feel better soon I know it is a really stressful time. Once you have your baby you will have a chance to recover properly and slowly let your lungs get back to normal.

Thank you.
I'm feeling they don't know much about it either.
I'm trying to get advice over which is the safest type of birth for both baby and I but the consultant isn't really listening.
The slightest exertion and I either faint or almost do as I can barely breathe so worried about being able to breathe deeply enough to go through the pushing part of the birth but also know there are heightened risks with a planned caesarean. Hopefully the haematologist will be able to shed some light x