QuestionI am hoping you can help me understand whether or not I am considered high risk and if so should I see a doctor with more experience in high risk. I am 13 weeks pregnant and I have multiple problems with my pregnancy so far. This my third pregnancy and they discovered this time around that I have Factor V Leiden. This was discovered this pregnancy because my sister had a DVT and they discovered she has it with her recent pregnancy. So, I am currently administering shots of 40mg lovenox once a day. I also have hyperthyroidism and was referred to an endocronologist for treatment during my pregnancy. My resting heart rate is usually in the 100-110s and sometimes into the 120s. I am on 50mg of Propylthiouracil (PTU) 3x/day. My last visit to my OB showed my BP as 145/89 which was a huge jump from a very normal BP. My previous pregnancies I had pregnancy induced hypertension so I wasn't too surprised, but not usually this early in my pregnancy. My doctor instantly prescribed Atenolol 25mg 2x/day. I found this prescription a bit shocking since my BP was much higher in my previous pregnancies and I was never put on a beta blocker.
My current OB is new to me since my previous doctor has retired. My new doctor is very young, and told me that she just finished school. I don't doubt her knowledge, but at the same time I have a lot of issues and I need to know if it is worth it to switch or not.
Thanks you so much!
AnswerVirginia,
The most important thing I pulled from your e-mail is the thyroid med you are on. I pulled the following info off my work website. This drug is a category D! It should NOT be taken during pregnancy! Call your OB doctor and talk to her about it ASAP. Most patients I care for are on Synthroid. This is much safer during pregnancy.
Propylthiouracil
What is the most important information I should know about propylthiouracil?
In rare cases, propylthiouracil has caused serious liver problems. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, light-colored stools, or dark-colored urine. These symptoms may be early signs of liver problems.
Rarely, propylthiouracil can affect the blood causing decreased levels of red and white blood cells and platelets. This may cause an increased risk of infection, serious bleeding, anemia, and other problems. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, coughing, or painful or difficult urination (may indicate low white blood cells); such as unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, nosebleeds, black, bloody, or tarry stools, or blood in urine (may indicate low platelets); or unusual tiredness or weakness (may indicate low red blood cells).
Propylthiouracil can lower the activity of the immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with propylthiouracil. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.
What is propylthiouracil?
Propylthiouracil prevents the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone.
Propylthiouracil is used to treat hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid).
Propylthiouracil may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking propylthiouracil?
Before taking propylthiouracil, tell your doctor if you have
liver problems; or
a blood disorder.
*You may not be able to take propylthiouracil, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Propylthiouracil is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that propylthiouracil is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use propylthiouracil without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with propylthiouracil if necessary.
Propylthiouracil passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take propylthiouracil without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
I think if you are uncomfortable with this OB, you should switch. You are a more higher risk pregnancy and should go to a doctor you feel confident in. Good luck to you!
