Blood clots and getting pregnant

6 replies

simone

Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find much info online, so I thought I’d ask here.
On July 31, 2017, I was diagnosed with a blood clot in my left leg. No clear cause was found, though I was on the pill at the time. The doctor thought it might be related, but it probably was just bad luck.
Now, my partner (37) and I (31) don’t want to wait too long anymore to start trying for kids. I know that women in my family have trouble getting pregnant, which also makes us want to start sooner.
But my question is: has anyone here had experience with trying to get pregnant while having a blood clot? Online I only find info about people who’ve had a clot before and whether they’re at higher risk of getting another one during pregnancy. But nothing about people who currently have a clot and are trying to conceive.
We’re also going to see our GP next week for advice, but I’d love to hear personal experiences too (if any).
Thanks in advance for reading.
Best, Simone

Replies

Hartje #2

I recently read something about how someone should regularly have that checked during pregnancy. I don't have any experience with it myself, so I'd definitely recommend discussing it with your GP!
CJB86 #3

Hi Simone,

I had a pulmonary embolism at the age of 21, 10 years ago. Back then, it was caused by the Diane 35 pill. They determined it was hormonal, which means I have an increased risk of recurrence during pregnancy.
After that, I took blood thinners for half a year and haven't had any issues since. When I wanted to get pregnant, I discussed this with my GP, and given the previous embolism, the advice was to have my pregnancy monitored by the hospital.

Since I've been pregnant, I've been injecting Fraxiparine daily, and I'll continue doing so throughout the pregnancy and for a short time after. I don't know if you're currently injecting or taking anything for blood thinning?

So far, everything is going well for me; the injections are just part of it. I'm also participating in a medical study on the correct dosage of blood thinners for pregnant women. It just means a few extra blood tests, so you know you're being closely monitored in that regard. But the choice to participate is always yours.

I wish you both lots of success in getting pregnant and hope everything goes well. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
simone started this #4

Hi CJB86

I also took Diane 35 for years, and this year I switched to a lighter pill. Unfortunately, they couldn't find the cause in my case. So I only had to take blood thinners (acenocoumarol) for 3 months. To start it off, I had Fraxodi for 5 days. And in between, I took it once more to thin the blood again.

They did say back then that I would be under control again. I find that quite reassuring. So for now, no more medication and under control. Next year in May, they'll check again to see if it's gone.

Can you manage to keep it up, injecting every day? I got hard lumps in my belly with painful bruises. I really hope I won't have to inject. But well, what needs to be done, needs to be done.

I hope I just had bad luck and that this will be the only time.

Best regards, Simone
dorine de bel Guest #5

I'm Dorine, 49 years old, and I've had blood clots before. I really want a baby, but my doctor completely advises against it. He said there's only a 1 in 5 chance of survival. It felt like a punch in the face when he said that. I'm feeling a bit lost. What do you think I should do? Should I go ahead and try for a baby or stop?
simone started this #6

Hi Dorine,

Sorry for the late reply, I haven't been on the forum for a while.
Did your GP tell you that, or a doctor from the hospital?
I was never advised against it at all (I've seen 2 different doctors at the hospital and my GP), they actually said that any future pregnancy has nothing to do with the blood clot in my leg. They're two very different things. I do know now that when I'm pregnant I'll have to inject blood thinners for at least 9 months. And I'll be under more frequent/stricter monitoring and will have to give birth in the hospital. My blood clot probably occurred due to the hormones in the pill. Of course, I don't know where you had the clot or how severe it was.
But I'd suggest getting a second opinion from another GP or hospital doctor.
Greetings from Simone
An1990 Guest #7

I have a hereditary tendency for blood clots: I have way too little protein S in my blood, which naturally means my risk of clots is higher anyway. Pregnancy has increased that risk even more.

I'm now 36 weeks pregnant and everything is going well. I didn't need blood thinners since they can be harmful to the baby, but I'm getting extra checks from my gynecologist plus blood tests. From delivery until 6 weeks after, I'll have to inject myself with Fraxiparine daily.

Best,

Add your reply

Share what helped you, or ask a question.

Continue with Google

Takes a moment. You’ll come straight back here to reply.