http://www.4um.com/tutorial/currents/lmwh.htm
Summary:
LMWH (low molecular weight heparin, usually Lovenox) is the standard
treatment drug for pregnant women with Factor V Leiden.
A number of independant safety issue reports suggest that people on heparin
risk paralysis if epidural or spinal anesthesia is used while they are on
heparin. This is of significance to pregnant women, though it should be
kept in mind that under most circumstances women on heparin during
pregnancy are taken off heparin before delivery.
When heparin cannot be discontinued a sufficient time before delivery,
epidural and spinal anesthesia should be avoided. This means emergency
c-sections should probably include general anesthesia. Time from
discontinuation of heparin is a vital concern when deciding if epidural use
is an acceptable risk.
by Jennifer Rosenberg
Jennifer Rosenberg has been trained as a doula and childbirth educator. She currently works as a graphic designer, editor and author for Midwifery Today, Inc.
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 2 Issue 19 May 12, 2000)
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