QuestionHi Brenda
I am 35 yo and just found out I am pregnant with child #4. I am very excited but my OB wants to put me on lovenox injections b/c I have multiple PEs back in february. There was no official diagnosis for PEs (neg on tests for thrombophilia but i was on BC patch) and I have had 4 miscarriages in the past, but I am very nervous about this.........I know he is being cautious, but I am trying to weigh the risk/benefit of taking this throughout pregnancy. Your thoughts
AnswerDear Lucy,
Anticoagulation therapy with enoxaparin (Lovenox) during pregnancy appears to be safe, according to an opinion from a committee of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). According to Committee Opinion 276 which appeared in the October 2002 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the drug does not cross the placenta. The committee also said enoxaparin should be used with caution or discontinued 18 to 24 hours before administration of epidural analgesia for pain relief during labor.
In one French study of pregnant women with clotting disorders who had a history of a previous pregnancy loss, the results of enoxaparin use were impressive. Of the women on the drug, 86% had a normal live birth. In addition, no significant side effects were seen in these mothers or their newborns. In the group taking an alternative medication, only 29% had a successful birth.
If you have a history of multiple PEs, this seems to be an appropriate medication for you while pregnant in my opinion. If I were in your shoes, I would have no qualms with this at all given the information you have shared with me and the research I've seen.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
