Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

[samanthajonespr]

4 weeks pregnant and I've just found out that i have definitely got APS after a second positive blood test. I'm already on 75mg of aspirin and I'm starting Clexane injections tomorrow morning.
Does anybody have any experience or advice about APS pregnancies?

That sounds like the right treatment! I have lupus and was tested for APS in early pregnancy following previous 2 MCs. Turns out I didn't have it but until the results came back my Dr placed me on the same treatment. 100mg aspirin and one Lovenox injection (same ingredients as Clexane) every day.

The good thing about Clexane is that the needle is so thin it virtually doesn't hurt when you push it inside (more like a pinch). The liquid itself burns a bit when being injected but really nothing too bad. Really recommend this video: By using ice packs and very slow injection speed, you can reduce pain and bruising to almost zero. My husband started out injecting me on my thigh but I ended up with a massive grapefruit-sized bruise after a week! Then I learned to do it myself using the video tutorial and it made a huge difference.

Some APS patients only take low-dose aspirin, but I felt much more reassured with the injections. Both combined is a very high level of anti-coagulation but it's perfectly safe for the baby and will entirely protect you from potential hazards of APS. There's a YouTuber called Taylor Kellie who also has APS, which was sadly only diagnosed after she had a stillbirth (warning, may be triggering to watch for anyone who is currently PG). She's currently pregnant again and only taking aspirin, which might be due to healthcare differences in the USA vs UK/Europe.

I was told by 2 consultants that aspirin + clexane is the best combo, though of course you need to be very careful not to injure yourself and you'll bruise more easily throughout pregnancy. I was allowed to stop the Clexane after it turned out I didn't have APS, but I was still told to take 100mg aspirin as a precaution for pre-eclampsia.

Thank you so much @Pomfluff
Absolutely amazing advice, I feel comforted knowing that it's the best treatment. How did your APS pregnancy turn out?

Or rather lupus pregnancy, I should say.

Dil had successful aps birth, baby safe and sound.

I had APS and was on the same regime. I was under the care of the hospital midwife unit during the pregnancy and I think i had an additional scan or two as well. Everything went well and I now have a very jolly and bouncy 5 year old.

I don’t have APS but I have another thrombo condition which means I’m on clexane. The injections are fine and you get used to them very quickly. I recommend upper thigh rather than stomach, especially as your pregnancy goes further on and your stomach feels tighter. Good luck and congratulations!

Aww thank you everyone! I feel so much better after reading how well it turned out for you.
I'm a bit shellshocked I think because when they gave me the diagnosis over the phone yesterday, they were treating it like a good thing because we are under a recurrent miscarriage clinic due to losing 4 precious babies in 15 months. Part of me just doesn't believe it's real and that there's a good chance that we'll be taking this baby home

@samanthajonespr
Glad it helped and so sorry to hear about your 4 losses :(! I was in pieces after 2 and was lucky to find a doctor willing to run tests. I'm sure you'll have a happy ending this time as APS is so safe and easy to treat once diagnosed.

Physically, my pregnancy has actually been quite pleasant so far (27 weeks), and I've made it over the hump of when lupus pregnancies tend to be riskiest. Even though I didn't have APS, I did have Anti-ro/SSA and SSB antibodies which can cause fetal heart block between weeks 16-24. So I was closely monitored during that time and it was mentally quite exhausting going in for scans every week not knowing if something could go wrong.

The elusive thing about APS/antibody issues is that you feel quite well until the drs tell you otherwise. We went to a wedding during the time when I was was injecting Clexane and I had whole suitcase of medical supplies which I was too worried to dispose of in the hotel in case they thought we were junkies or something :P!

@Pomfluff thank you and I'm so sorry for your losses too Congratulations on your miracle baby. Let me know how it all goes

Well I've started the Clexane today because the pharmacy was closed all weekend and it stings like a bitch. Will be putting ice packs in the freezer to prepare for tomorrow
Thank you everybody for the advice. I'm hoping that this will mean I can just look forward to having a baby rather than being on KnickerWatch for any signs of spotting.

All the best for a happy, successful pregnancy and a bundle of joy at the end.