Warfarin & Pregnancy???

[Helenp]

Hi Everybody,
I'm quite new to this web site so please forgive me if I'm posting this in the wrong place!
I had infective endiocarditis in 1993 and had an emergency mitral valve replacement. I was told at the time that I could never have children because I was warfarin dependent and should become steralised. I didn't take this advice because I was only 18 at the time and wasn't planning a family for at lease another 10 yrs. Now I'm 29 I have sought medical opinions about this and alas a family does seem a possibility at least. I've been advised to become pregnant whilst taking warfarin and switch to heparin once I've conceived. I understand the high risks to the fetus are between 6-12 weeks, so I will have to be vigilant with testing.
Has anyone had a pregnancy whilst on anticoagulants? Have you any advice?

Many thanks, I apreciate this can be a sentsitive subject.

Helen X

 

[MelissaM]

Hi Helen,

Welcome to the site! You will find some great information (and people!) here.

I, too, had bacterial endocardiits, and am now awaiting a "fix" of my mitral valve. I am hoping for a successful repair, so as to increase my odds of having a successful pregnancy.

Although others will probably post here, too, there is currently a thread disucssing this topic under the heading "birth control pills" at : http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=3119

All the best,

Melissa