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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Anyone had pulmonary embolism and is now pregnant?

11 replies

babydubai · 09/08/2009 10:48

Hi all,

I had pulmonary embolism almost 7 years ago (when I was 24!) and I am now pregnant. Since I live abroad, I am a little bit apprehensive regarding getting the right advice/expertise. My doctor here seems rather relaxed when I told her about my medical history and will start me on clexane injections after my 12 week scan.
At my next visit, what questions should I raise?
If anyone is in medical profession or has dealt with a similar situation, I would really appreciate your advice. Should I fly back to the UK to get checked out by the specialist and to get the right information/advice???

OP posts:

treacletart · 09/08/2009 11:06

Congratulations! I had PE's following the birth of my DS. During My 2nd pregnancy gp and midwife knew my history but were very unconcerned didn't take anything and I had a missed miscarriage (unrelated I'm sure) at 10 weeks.
the surgeon for ERPC was very surprised I hadn't been using blood thinners given my history so, when I got pregnant again the next month I made sure I saw a consultant as soon as possible. He put me on daily clexane injections from 8 weeks I think til 6 weeks after her birth. BTW, Quite a few threads on here about Clexane injections and tips on how to do it - honestly it realy does get easier! I also had to be induced for her birth - Ds had been a very fast unplanned home delivery and they wanted to make sure I was in the right place in the right time for DD because of the increased risk of heammorage after clexane. I was scared of induction but everything was very smooth and I had no problems at all. Good luck!

3littlefrogs · 09/08/2009 11:26

It is important to know about the first PE. Was it precipitated or spontaneous - ie did it come out of the blue or was it related to the pill, pregnancy, surgery, long haul travel etc.

It is generally considered in the UK that if, based on the above info, thromboprophylaxis is required, then it should be started asap. Why has your doctor recommended after 12 weeks?

I wouldn't consider flying anywhere ATM as flying will increase your risk.

3littlefrogs · 09/08/2009 11:29

Will check back later - have to go out for a while now.

oceana · 09/08/2009 12:07

Firstly congratulations on your pregnancy! I had a PE with my first pregnancy and it was horrific (as I am sure you understand seeing as you had one before!). As soon as I found out I was pregnant for the second time I was immediately put on daily clexane injections. I think that was when I was about 5 weeks pregnant. My case may be different as I was pregnant when I got my PE and therefore it is likely I got it in connection with pregnancy. I don't really understand why your doctor would start you on the injections after 12 weeks and not right away.

Original poster

babydubai · 09/08/2009 12:11

The PE was related to the pill and a lot of long haul travel. Even before I got pregnant I would use clexane injections if plane journey was 4 hours or more. This is why I feel uncomfortable with my doctor wanting to start daily clexane after 12 weeks. I certainly don't want to self-medicate (it is very easy to get the injections here over the counter without prescription)in the meantime! Perhaps she wants to see whether the pregnancy will go past first trimester?

OP posts:

mears · 09/08/2009 12:23

RCOG guideline

Low dose heparin should be start as soon as is practicable it says.

Print the guideline off and take it with you to discuss with your obstetrician.

3littlefrogs · 09/08/2009 12:29

Agree with Mears. I suppose the fact that your Dr is not in the UK means that they don't follow UK guidelines. Given that your first PE was hormone related, you should have thromboprophylaxis asap. Hope you can sort it out ok, and everything goes smoothly.

chevchina · 27/09/2009 22:15

hi my name is AB i suffered a PE during my second pregnancy as i have a 17 yr old son. i had dvt too went on to clexane as it is the safest blood thinner when u r pregnant.
we want to try agin but does any one know if it is so soon after the dvt pe? i had a misscarriage at 17 weeks in which the baby only made it to 14 weeks in my womb any one had similar worries please xx

susiey · 28/09/2009 09:24

I have a blood condition which means when my hormone levels change when on the pill or pregnant I get blood clots ( so far DVT's)

As soon as I get BFP I call my consultant and I'm put on blood thinning injections straight away

I also have to take them for 6 weeks after pregnancy while my hormones return to normal.
This is really worth mentioning to your doctor

barbiebigpants · 28/09/2009 10:08

babydubai im in dubai too and also had a pe a few years back bought on by a very bad chest infection.

Where are you registered? Im going to the dubai london clinic in jumeriah...the doctor im under used to be a specialist in the portland hospital in london. She is fab!
Im being monitored and have to see a heart and chest specialist in 4 weeks when im 24 week. I have had regular check ups throughout to monitor me and blood pressure etc.

Congrats xxx

Ann02 · 23/06/2018 15:45

I'm so worried . I have pe in my last pregnancy at around 9 weeks was horrific . I was put on high dose of fragmin for remainder of pregnancy and had induced labour that all went well n continued till 6 weeks after birth. I'm pregnant again and was put on fragmin preventive dose straight away. I'm on 10,000 units a day . I ask doctors n anti coag . Will this reduce my risk . To be honest I not had straight answers. I feel like a ticking time bomb if it happens again and feeling rather scared . Any advice .

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