DVT worry (pics included)

[Ellasshitholekitchenpjpiigp]

Hi, I’m 28 weeks pregnant, I have Factor V Leiden which is a genetic blood disorder but don’t take any treatment for it. I think I just need some reassurance as DH is away but I’m worried that I’ve been having cramps in one leg, normally wouldn’t worry especially in pregnancy but my right leg looks red and swollen. Would appreciate anyone having a look at my pics, don’t want to really spend all day at a&e with my dds!

This is my left leg

Pic of good leg

It does look a little red/swollen, and if it’s cramping I would definitely get checked out. Pregnancy, as you know, is a provoking factor for DVTs, and you already know you have Factor V Leiden - so you are justified in your concern.

I say this as someone who very nearly died of a large pulmonary embolism 3 months ago caused by a DVT (provoked by knee surgery/immobility).

Since DVT is very serious, it needs checking out. Contact your midwifery service. Hopefully it is nothing to worry about, but better to be safe than sorry.

Can you ask someone to watch the kids?

I have Factor V ... I'm amazed you're not on heparin injections while you're pg. Have you had any DVTS before? If not, what made them test you for factor V?

Either way, you need to measure both legs around the fullest part of the calf (below the knee)... if one is different to the other it may be cause for concern. Does the pain feel 'deep' inside the leg?

I’ve got it passed down from my mum, she had pulmonary embolism when she was about my age (36) and nearly died, she is on a high level of warfarin for life. I had a big hemorage/ blood clot bleed after DDs birth so they tested me then. I only have only got it from one parent so heterozygous for it and have been told i will just need clexane injections after the birth,

If you go to a and e with those symptoms they will probably do an ultrasound to check. They tend to take DVT seriously in pregnancy rightly so. It can do no harm to have this checked.

Please get It checked asap. My leg was only slightly swollen and I had very mild cramps but it was a DVT.

If you get any shortness of breath, chest pain, feeling of doom or bluish lips call an ambulance.

Add heart palpitations to that Mildred, I had mild SOB the couple of days before, but it was the palpitations that gave it away that it was serious (yes, I know - the shortness of breath should have but I was sat doubled up in bed the majority of the time and put it down to that) which were due to my heart getting enlarged caused by the pressure of the clots.

OP - I really think you need to get yourself checked out ASAP. You have multiple risk factors, symptoms and a family history. Please let us know you are/have if at all possible as I’m worried about you.

I have Factor V as well. Get thee to A&E.

Thanks everyone, i really appreciate your concern. I took myself to get checked out with a migraine last week so wasn’t sure if it was all just pregnancy anxiety. Dh has now landed so he should be back in a couple of hours.

OK OP, glad your DH is close to home. But in the meantime if you experience any of the symptoms that Mildred and I described above please call for an ambulance.

I'm also surprised you aren't on clexaine/heparin! Maybe something you should discuss with your GP / consultant either way?

I had no pain at all with my DVT. Weirdly, I don't have factor V but both my sister's and mother do. We have all taken clexaine during pregnancy (except for my first .. when I got the DVT!)

Please go get checked out asap.

Thanks cuppa I will keep an eye out for those symptoms, although I am a bit short of breath, was just putting it down to pregnancy, bit light headed aswell x

That’s the problem isn’t it - those symptoms can easy be something else. Is the shortness of breath a very recent development?

Been a longggg time since I was pregnant .. but is it safe to take an aspirin? I would.

If you have factor 5 Leiden and any possible symptoms of a DVT then you should really get yourself checked out as soon as possible, pregnant increases your risk anyway so I really wouldn't take any chances.

You need to get checked out asap.

Why on earth are you not on prophylaxis?

Don't want to worry you .. but when my GP saw my leg looking like yours, she called 999 and got me to hospital.

I really think you should go get checked out.

You’re not over worrying, you need to be worrying.

Get seen. And I second - why aren’t you taking prophylatic meds to prevent this?

I should say I’m a nurse and I promise you no one would think badly of you at A and E. You really can’t be cautious enough with these types of symptoms. Hope you are doing ok.

Please go to A&E OP. I had a massive DVT in one of my pregnancies. It was not fun.