Factor V Leiden & Pregnancy: Risks of Stopping Lovenox - Expert Advice

Question
Hello:

I am 33, pregnant with my first child at 20 weeks. I have been taking Lovenox since about 5 weeks due to Factor V Leiden Disorder, hetero that I have.

I have had no side effects but am considering to stop taking it. I feel that my doctor maybe a bit aggressive and I can get the same results with a baby asprin?  What are the risks to me and to my baby if I decide to stop taking it?

Also, what are the risks associated with Factor V Leiden Disorder, hetero during labour and birth?  

We are considering a home birth, will this pose a problem?

Thank you


Answer
If you have Factor V Leiden, you should continue Lovenox or Heparin and baby aspirin throughout the pregnancy. The lovinox does not cause any harm to you, the pregnancy, or the baby. If you stop the anticoagulant, you can miscarry or have a fetal demise. While it is accepted practice to use Lovenox during pregnancy, it is still controversial as to whether baby aspirin will help or not. HOwever, it is very innocuous and does not cause any problems (except the risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosis in the baby's heart as well as an increased tendency for bleeding during the pregnancy. I have had many patients with Factor V Leiden who had a wonderful labor and delivery. (They were all on Lovenox). I really would not recommend a home birth due to the risks involved. It is always better to have a NICU available for the baby, just in case.