bloodclot in previous pg, will it happen in future pgs?

[kando]

When I was 10 weeks pg with dd2 (who is nearly 2) I had a blood clot in my leg and had to inject myself with heparin every day until just after dd2 was born (then switched to warfarin).

I had to see a gynaecologist last week (not related to clot/pg), who mentioned that if I did try for another baby, I'd have to inject myself with heparin from a very early stage in the pg. Does anyone (eg gp, midwife) have any experience of this? I asked my gp about what would happen if I did get pg again some time ago, and she said they would "wait and see" how the pg progressed rather than get me injecting with heparin straight away. Have to say this concerned me at the time (how long would they "wait and see" - until the DVT had reached my heart or lungs?!) but let it pass as dd2 was only tiny and wasn't thinking of any future children!.

Just wondered if anyone else had experience of pregnancy after DVT?

I actually had a dvt after my recent dd born in July, she was my 4th baby.When I had the leg ultrasound they also told me that Id had a previous dvt in my thigh!! eekk! which I didnt know about.Ive been told that if I had any more children I would have to go on preventative blood thinners but I dont plan any more.At one stage it was thought that I had a pe and I was put on enoxaparin but it was a false alarm.Try not to worry as you will be closely monitored if you decide to have any more children and probably advised to wear suppoet stockings to minimise the risk. I would have thought that you would probably have a preventative dose of clexane as you are obviously high risk for further dvts.Rest assured though that you will be monitored closely, but dont panic, dvts in the calf very rarely disloge, it is usually , thigh dvts or ones in the arm.Dont let it put you off having another baby as the chances of you having another clot will hopefully be minimised by good preventative care. Good luck!

Thanks spacecadet. The dvt was actually in my groin area, and was only told afterwards that it was a very large one! Sounds like we've both been told the same thing about future pgs (prevention rather than "wait and see"!), which is reassuring! Apparently dvts are more common after childbirth than before (as in your case sc). Thanks for your response.

gosh one in your groin, how scary! dont worry they wouldnt let it happen again.

Kando
There's a bit more info / experiences on this on a recent thread here:
\link{http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=138&threadid=11453}
Don't know if that link will work but you can paste it if it doesn't!
Rushing now but will check back another day . . .

Kando

From the people I've spoken to (both online and in person!), the groin/pelvic area is quite common for pregnancy and post natal DVTs. I wondered whether it was because that's where a lot of the extra pressure is? Anyway, I think they base how early to start heparin on at what stage you had your DVT last time, so therefore if yours was in the early stages, they'd want you to start it quite early.

I had a pelvic DVT post-natally, and again, was told that it was a very large one. I was assuming I'd be on heparin in my next pregnancy, although I doctor I saw the other day seemed to indicate that that wouldn't necessarily be the best option. I think they want to be as careful as possible with dosing people up with heparin, as having thin blood in pregnancy can cause other problems, not least increasing the risk of post-partum haemorrhage. However, I know several people who've had heparin injections in a subsequent pregnancy, and no-one who's had any problems or a repeat of the clot.

Have a look at the other thread if you can - I'm going to try the link thing again: \link{http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=138&threadid=11453}

I'm really passionate about seeing more information for pregnant women about the risks facts of DVT - that's proper, useful, helpful information, rather than panic!