I was first diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in my right leg at the age of 19 and then again at 22. And recently I was diagnosed with DVT in my left leg and left thigh, all this before turning 34 years of age. This has been a hard pill to swallow.
I have been told I’m going to be on blood thinners for the rest of my life now. In the past, I had high hopes of getting off this medication. This is life changing because I already have to be so cautious while being on blood thinners, and there are things I cannot do because of the medication and the risks of bleeding.
Now I’m at the age when pregnancy is something I am constantly thinking about. I think pregnancy is beautiful, and I want to have a family one day. I love children and I have taught toddlers for 17 years. Children have always been a part of my life. Pregnancy can cause many complications in a woman's body, such as morning sickness, pressure on your veins, headaches, weight gain, and so much more. This can be a lot on my body. Pregnancy can also take you through a lot of emotions and stress.
I have also learned that pregnancy can cause blood clots, and I have already had DVT three times. I am frightened to put myself through something that can cause me more harm and damage to my body. I think after seeing a hematologist and getting different blood work drawn will help determine if pregnancy is the step for me to take. I have talked to different doctors who have told me that I can still have a baby. I was also informed that I will most likely have a C-section because I’m on a blood thinner.
When you are on blood thinners and want to become pregnant, it’s safer to plan the pregnancy because certain blood thinners can cause birth defects and harm to your unborn child. However, if you plan your pregnancy, your doctor can put you on a different type of anticoagulant that is safe for you and your unborn child and won’t cause birth defects. Pregnancy is beautiful and I want to have a family. I just think when you already had deep vein thrombosis several times and pregnancy can have so many different complications, it’s best to plan your pregnancy.
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