QuestionI am a 23 year old female who have lupus and ITP. I was diagnosed with this condition at 14 years old. I haven't had a flare up since 14 years old. I have been off all medications since 16/17 years old. This is my first pregnancy and i started spotting at 10 weeks. My doctor suggested that i get on Lovenox and Baby Asprin. Is this safe? Even though i maybe still bleeding a little? Don't these two drug make you easily bleed? And i thought that when you are pregnant you are not suppose to take Asprin because of Reyes Syndrome?
AnswerHi April :)
Pregnant women with ITP have healthy babies. However, some babies born to mothers with ITP are born with or develop low platelets soon after birth. Their platelets will return to normal without any treatment. Treatment can speed the recovery in the few babies whose platelets are very low.
The treatment of ITP in pregnancy depends on the platelet count. If treatment is needed, the doctor will take into consideration the possible effects of treatment on the unborn baby.
Women with milder cases of ITP can usually go through pregnancy without treatment. Pregnant women with a very low platelet count or a lot of bleeding, are more likely to have serious heavy bleeding (hemorrhage) during delivery or afterwards. To prevent hemorrhage, these women are usually treated.
As for your Lupus, the majority of women with lupus who become pregnant go on to deliver a normal, healthy baby. That isn't to say that there aren't serious risks associated with lupus and pregnancy.
Most lupus pregnancies are considered high risk. You can avoid some major problems with frequent check ups.
Generally speaking, Lovenox is safe to take aslong as your platelet count isnt under 80,000. So its essential, that you are closely monitered. Lovenox, is a blood thinner combined with the baby aspirin.
Because your of your LUPAS, you could suffer clotting issues. Its possible that you could develop blood clots, that could pose a threat to your pregnancy, and your general health during pregnant. Now that you are spotting slighty, your doctor is playing it safe to keep your blood thin as a prevention measure. You may have to take this for the duration of your pregnancy, to prevent issues with your delivery as well. Again, I beleive this is all preventative.
Baby Aspirin is given as well for a multitude of reasons, however just know that it is safe to take during your pregnancy.
Hope this is of some help, and thanks for writing!
-Kristy
