Factor V and Extremely Confused

megwv3

I'm going to see a hematologist because I am lost.

I'm 23 weeks pregnant. After having 3 miscarriages (4w, 6w, 9w), I was tested for a variety of things and the only thing that came back positive was a single (hetero) mutation of Factor V Leiden. I never had any blood clots or anything. In the beginning of my pregnancy, two OB's and two perinatologists told me that baby aspirin is all I needed. At my 20w scan, they will check me again. At my scan, they said that blood flow was really good and to continue the aspirin. However, I'm concerned because I see all over women with the same condition as me on Lovenox and Heparin. I decided to consult with a hematologist and he said he would meet with me, but that he did look at my charts. He completely agrees with the other doctors treatment. I just don't get why. I'm trying to figure it out. I don't see why some people would be on Lovenox and I'm on aspirin with the same history (hetero, no clots). Any input?

Ylvelill

I have had no clots but I have a second set of risk factors as well which is why I am on lovanox.

My hematologist said if it was just the factor V, he would have recommended just aspirin.

I hope you get some answers, it is super stressful to get these kinda of conflicting information.

megwv3

It is. From research I did online, it seems that Factor V has no link to first trimester miscarriages which my RE told me also. It also seems that there's no studies that Lovenox/Heparin are helpful to Factor V Leiden like it is to other clotting disorders. I will have to see what he says.

mands1125

From the research I've done, it doesn't seem consistent across doctors. I have a history of a pulmonary embolism (likely caused by a variety of risk factors including Factor V hetero) but my RE did say I would have to go on Lovenox at 8 weeks. I was secretly hoping he'd tell me just to take baby aspirin but it didn't work out that way. It is supposedly to protect me more so than the baby.

Good luck and I hope you get answers soon!

megwv3

Yeah, they said if I actually had a PE or DVT then that would be a different story. However, why would it protect you more?

Ylvelill

The risk of getting a clot goes up with the hormones of pregnancy (or if you use birth control pills).

AshleighK305

I also have FVL but another clotting factor as well which is why I'm taking Lovenox. I had one normal pregnancy, 3 first tri miscarriages, and with my almost 3 year old son they had me taking aspirin at first. After seeing my specialist at 17 weeks she highly recommended switching to Lovenox because of the fact that I have 2 factors. I am currently pregnant with #3 and my new dr put me on the shots right away.

DevynLynn

I'm hetero for FVL and have seen a hematologist, in addition to my highrisk OB. They both agreed that I only need to be on a baby aspirin. 27 weeks tomorrow and still all good! If, and I surely hope not, I have to have a C\S, they will have me on heparin for 6 wks following the birth. They are inducing at 39 weeks too, just to be on the safe side. The risk is sooo much less if you are just hetero with no other factors.

topaz7777

My sister had FVL Hetero and was on baby asprin until they discovered she also had MTHFR then switched her to Lovenox.  I am FVL Homozygous with a history of DVT and PE so I'm on Fragmin. 

DixieNormous330

I'm FVL homozygous and MTHFR hetero. I also had a history of superficial blood clots in my leg. With my first pregnancy, my hematologist wanted to take a "wait and see" approach. Which looking back was incredibly stupid with my history. I ended up with 3 DVTs at 9 weeks pregnant.

I am 7w3d now and see the high-risk OB tomorrow. I will be going on lovenox as soon as the ink on the prescription is dry.

My hematologist retired earlier this year and I haven't been to see the new practice. With my last pregnancy Hem. was deferring to OB and OB was deferring to hem. I need one person to handle this whole thing and not play the "you, no you" game.

ckoch159

I tested hetro for both Factor V and MTHFR. I have a history of blood clots and a PE. My OBGYN put me on a blood thinner shot once a day but the high risk doctor increased it to twice a day and an aspirin. Best of luck to you!