High-Risk Pregnancy

Heparin Shots??

Any other ladies out there taking these shots? I just found out today that the Dr. is putting me on these 2 x day for the remainder of my pregnancy and then for 6 weeks after. I was hoping for some advice from those who have been there on what to expect and do's/don'ts. Thanks!
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Re: Heparin Shots??

  • I take Lovenox injections twice a day, so I don't have any heparin specific advice - but this is what I have learned, in general, about the injections.

    I ice the area before I inject and after - it helps shrink the vessels and results in less bleeding/bruising.  Some say it doesn't matter, but it helps me.  Also, I alternate sides - right at night, left in the morning. 

    Sometimes I bruise big bruises, sometimes not at all - it's normal.  Once in a while, I get a knot under my skin at an injection site, it's sore and this is also normal.

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  • I take Lovenox once a day and at first I was injecting into the tops of my thighs which was incredibly painful for me. I moved recently to my stomach and it doesnt hurt as much. A little burn that goes away pretty quickly.
  • Thanks- well, it looks like my insurance doesn't cover the heparin shots so I am going to do Lovenox shots 2 x day. But the first month is going to cost me $800, then after that $30 a month. This baby is costing me a fortune, but will be totally worth it in the end.
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  • With Lovenox, you cannot have an epidural.  I am on Lovenox twice daily.  I am being switched to heparin when I go to my MFM tomorrow.  Once on heparin for a while, you can have an epidural.  You have to stop taking the heparin before labor though.  They also have a medication that reverses heparin in case you had recently given yourself an injection and then go into labor.  Also, coumadin in an oral medication that is safe to take AFTER pregnancy.  It is safe for breast feeding.  You may want to ask your dr about it because by the time you deliver, you will be SO tired of stabbing yourself all the time!  Good luck!
  • I take lovenox all the way through my pg.  You can have an epidural if you are induced and stop the lovenox 24 hours before the induction.  You just can't have the epidural if you've recently taken the shots.

    It really does get easier.  This is my second pg with lovenox and it's no big deal.  Hang in there!

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