How to Take Heparin While Pregnant
Heparin is an anticoagulant drug that is prescribed to decrease the clotting ability of blood and help prevent harmful clots from forming. While it will not dissolve already formed blood clots, it can help prevent them from getting larger. Heparin is often prescribed for Lupus patients, and those with thrombophilia--a history or current problem with blood clots. Heparin is safe to take during pregnancy, and no studies have proven any birth defects or complications due to its use. However, since it is an anticoagulant, it can cause some problems in the mother during bleeding in delivery. Your doctor will need to be advised of your Heparin use and when you have last taken a dosage.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine your risk for blood clots or clotting issues. This will be determined by your doctor with various tests if you have had one or several of these symptoms: several miscarriages, a stillbirth, placenta abruption (determined on ultrasounds throughout pregnancy), pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy accompanied by severe swelling), poor fetal growth, or premature birth.
-
2
Obtain a prescription for Heparin. Heparin is completely safe to take during pregnancy and does not cross through the placenta to the baby.
-
-
3
Take your Heparin dosage regularly. Follow your physician's instructions precisely so that your body responds to the treatment and prevents a miscarriage or early delivery.
-
4
Rest regularly. Heparin is an anticoagulant, meaning that it makes it harder for your blood to clot. If you cut or injure yourself, it may take longer for the bleeding to stop and/or the area to heal. Avoid any strenuous activities.
-
5
Inform your doctor and everyone at the hospital that you are taking Heparin when you are admitted for delivery. You will need to tell them the last time you took your dosage and the amount of the dosage. They will need to wait several hours (4-6) from your last Heparin dosage in order to give you an epidural for pain, and they will need to monitor your blood loss during delivery very closely to prevent you from hemorrhaging (losing too much blood too quickly).
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Heparin will also need to be taken after delivery as your body heals. Your doctor will determine when it is safe for you to stop taking the medication. In addition, Heparin will not transfer through breast milk.
Avoid taking Warfarin (another anti-coagulant) during pregnancy, as it has been linked to birth defects. It will be safe to take after pregnancy and also does not transfer through breast milk.
