TTC & Lovenox?

So I went to my OB/GYN on Thursday for the "so you're TTC" talk. She gave me samples and an RX for DuetDHA. She also said that because I have tested borderline for Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS- a blood clotting disorder) I have to see a high risk dr. at Madonna. She also said they will most likely start me on Lovenox.

Anyone have any experience with this? (I searched and only found it linked to m/cs) I have to keep talking myself off the ledge and remind myself that it's precautionary. I haven't m/c before. Plus my levels of APS are borderline so thats a big +. Does anyone know of anyone that has been on it as a precaution?

Re: TTC & Lovenox?

I have heard of people taking Lovenox while they are pregnant.

Where did you hear that it was linked to m/c? Also, what do you mean by "linked?" Do you mean that it CAUSES them? Because I have heard the opposite.

I know you said you haven't m/c before, but I think the doctor probably wants you to see the high-risk doctor to help you figure out the best plan. From what I've heard, I think people take baby aspirin while TTC, then Lovenox once they find out they are pregnant - but I am not sure exactly.

I think the ladies on IF would have more information for you about this.

Message edited 10/25/2008 7:51:23 PM.

Re: TTC & Lovenox?

Nope, not that it causes m/c.. High risk OB/GYNs prescribe it to prevent m/cs.
I've never had a m/c before, they want to use it to prevent it before it actually happens. Usually drs prescribe baby asprin THEN if the woman still has a mc they prescribe something else (heparin, lovenox)... I am freaking out that they are prescribing it right off the bat- but again, just gotta remind myself super-precaution is the best bet


Thanks! I'll go post over on IF


ets: I meant 'linked' to m/c because the posters on here have used it *after* a m/c- not as a first step like my dr wants to use it as... sorry for the confusion

Message edited 10/25/2008 8:48:43 PM.

Re: TTC & Lovenox?

I also have Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). During my last IVF cycle I took Lovenox the day after retrieval so that would be before I could even be pregnant. (IVF did not work). Doctors will tell you different things about when to start. Some say when you get a BFP and some say to start it earlier like on CD6.

APS causes miscarriages that's why you have to take Lovenox during your entire pregnancy. APS causes your blood to clot in the placenta thereby cutting off blood supply to the baby. HTH

Re: TTC & Lovenox?

I am not ttc for a couple more months but felt compellined to respond. I hope you all don't mind a lurher.
The doctors, nurses and techs at Madonna are wonderful. If not for them and my ob my ds would not be here. I have APS and ANA (antibodies) along with 3 genetic clotting disorders and to top it off pcos. I listened to my doctors, followed all instructions and gave birth to a healthy baby boy. I am not saying stabbing myself daily was fun but it was well worth it. It can be scary when they go over everything so just take it one day at a time. good luck

Re: TTC & Lovenox?

I did 2 ivf cycles not treated for the APS. Unfortunately I was tested AFTER THEY FAILED ... Anyway I just completed my 3rd and also have Natural killer cells issues.. i am on lovenox and dexamethosone.. For both issues.. I just got a BFP... Listen to your Dr.. best wishes

Re: TTC & Lovenox?

I would def. listen to your doctor. I also went through IVF and never had a m/c. After returning to reg. ob/gyn he recommened that I see a perinatalogist (Dr. Kofinas) 1) b/c I am having twins 2) I'll be 35 when I deliver. Dr. Kofinas noticed my placentas were deteriorating, this was at 11 weeks. I was already taking baby aspirin. He started me on Lovenox 2x a day. When I went for bloodwork it all came back that I had a clotting disorder and would have m/c'd by 24 weeks. I am so thankful it was caught. I have to continue the 2 shots a day throughout the rest of my preg. At my last appt. (19 weeks) the babies were doing really well and the placentas are doing so much better. Good Luck!!

Re: TTC & Lovenox?

First, I am sorry you are going thru all of this.
I have a question....Did you go and see Madonna Perinatal yet? or did just your OB tell you what they would "think" but you need to see high risk.
The reason i ask is, this has been the game i have been playing for the past 7 months!!
First I saw my OB who told me the same thing that your told you. Actually it was his NP. She really freaked me out (I am an nurse and I used to work in hematology so I was well aware of what was involved with cloting disorders and anticoagulation therapy). She rec that I see (based upon guidance from my OB) Dr. MacKenzie from Madanna. I saw him and he did confirm that I was borderline for the APS, as well as a + ANA and high homocysteine He put me on a baby ASA, Vitamin B12, Vitamin 6, FOlic Acid 4mg (thats the high dose) and my prenatals. He said, without having an OB history on me (meaning, I have never been pregnant, and therefore have no M/Cs) he would be reluctant to start me on lovenox. He said the APS was also borderline. He said that even though I have 3 different issues going on (the APS, +ANA, +homocysteine,) we should start like this first. His line to me was, "if I was his wife, he wouldnt put me on lovenox YET".
He told me that when I got me BFP to call him ASAP (before I call my DH...lol ) and he will keep a close eye on everything.

See, I am not saying I WANTED the lovenox, but I was nervous that we needed ot be more aggressive and I doubted my visit with him.
I also informally asked the DR I worked for at the time, who deals with this al of the time as a hematologist.
She told me she would prescribe the lovenox the second i was preggo! Her line, "if you were my sister, I would tely ou the same thing!"
OK.....So now I am completely confused!!!!!!!!!!!!

THEN.....After 3 months of following MacKEnzie's rec (ASA, Folic Acid, and Vitmains) I go for labs again and the APS was now normal! The homocysteine improved a little
He was even baffled by it bc he said usually if you are +, then you are +, but he said to continue what I am doing and notify him with a BFP ASAP.

So this month is our first month TTC. (I wanted to make sure I had enough time on board with the regimen he prescribed).
When the time comes, I will go and see him and take it day by day.



We sound like we have similiar stories.
Let me know if you have any more questions!

Message edited 10/26/2008 8:49:35 AM.

Re: TTC & Lovenox?

I take Lovenox, I've been on it since very early in my pregnancy (about 4 weeks). After I had a miscarriage, it was found I have a protein- S deficiency, which is a blood clotting disorder. It causes my blood to clot a little too fast, and can cause clotting in the uterus/placenta which can cut off blood supply to a deveoping fetus.
I see a hematologist in addition to my OB. I think it would be a good idea to make an app't with a hematologist, since dealing with blood issues is their specialty.

Re: TTC & Lovenox?

wow! Thank you for all of the responses! I had no idea there were so many people with APS on this bioard!!!

Anyway, to answer one question first-

I have no seen Madonna yet. My OB relayed to me the standard procedure that the dr she works with will put me on given my "borderline" diagnosis


I am so nervous just because many people have used Lovenox for clotting after numerous m/c's and during IVF. Is it weird that they want to prescribe this as a first step? I have no problem taking it, I won't be happy- but I'll do it. I guess I'm just weirded out that they want it so early

Re: TTC & Lovenox?

Posted by HLT407

wow! Thank you for all of the responses! I had no idea there were so many people with APS on this bioard!!!

Anyway, to answer one question first-

I have no seen Madonna yet. My OB relayed to me the standard procedure that the dr she works with will put me on given my "borderline" diagnosis


I am so nervous just because many people have used Lovenox for clotting after numerous m/c's and during IVF. Is it weird that they want to prescribe this as a first step? I have no problem taking it, I won't be happy- but I'll do it. I guess I'm just weirded out that they want it so early

Re: TTC & Lovenox?

Posted by HLT407

wow! Thank you for all of the responses! I had no idea there were so many people with APS on this bioard!!!

Anyway, to answer one question first-

I have no seen Madonna yet. My OB relayed to me the standard procedure that the dr she works with will put me on given my "borderline" diagnosis


I am so nervous just because many people have used Lovenox for clotting after numerous m/c's and during IVF. Is it weird that they want to prescribe this as a first step? I have no problem taking it, I won't be happy- but I'll do it. I guess I'm just weirded out that they want it so early