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Hi.
I was wondering if anyone can help me with this. Someone I know is on heparin until 34/52 pregnancy due to having antiphospholipid antibodies. She has been told that she at increased risk of complications if she goes beyond 40 weeks gestation and c-section has been muttered. I queried whether she has been told this because the obs believe that any pregnancy beyond 40 weeks is 'risky' anyway.
Can anyone point me to some research and readings?
Thank you in advance.
a
I have antiphospholipid as well, AND I have just been told the same thing.Indeed, my ob would like to have me in for a c/s at 39 weeks. He isn't aware, though, that I have booked and IM and have no intention of having an elective c/s. He never gave me any reasons other than 'advanced maternal age' and 'much desired baby'.
As far as complications and antiphospholipid goes, I have heard of higher rates of pre-ecclampsia and premature birth, BUT there is no indication in the literature that these were not linked to something else (ie women who had babies w/o complications like myself and who went on to find out that they had antiphospholipid... I think we are different from women who had primary conception and pregnancy problems linked to antiphospholipid...)
If you find anything out I will be quite interested to know...
S
I'd be quite interested to know as well. I have antiphospholipid antibodies and no one has mentioned this to me. I'm at week 22, taking heparin and aspirin until week 36 and have had 3 previous miscarriages (5.5, 6 and 8 weeks). I last saw the consultant at week 11, when he said cheerfully bid me goodbye with the words 'I think this one is going to stick'. No one mentioned my going back to see him at any point later in the pregnancy - until I saw the community midwife, who said that she would only be happy with my having a homebirth if I saw the consultant first and accepted all the risks.
I have now booked an IM.
G
I am afraid I have no research but I do have a friend who is also on heparin for antiphospholipid antibodies. Interestingly, although most consultants stop the heparin after 34 weeks she is continuing to take it (She is now 37 weeks) and will do so until 24 hours before her planned IOL at 39 weeks. She has read lots and lots about the syndrome and says that 3rd trimester complications are common (ie pre-eclampsia) but in her opinion (and maybe in that of her consultant) this may be because of stopping the heparin so early. She will also be resuming the injections after the birth until the baby is 6 weeks. I don't understand why someone with a clotting problem would be advised to have a c-section.
F
Updated LW February 15, 2006