Clexane in the third trimester

[Possums]

Hi ladies, I am on daily clexane injections throughout my pregnancy and was told at the start that I would be switched to heparin by 36 weeks, as it has a shorter shelf life in your body and therefore less risk of too much bleeding in labour etc.

Where I live there is no option of private care, and I am at a public clinic and keen to hear others experiences with this? Were you given a similar plan?
Is 36 weeks too late to switch over (ie what if my baby arrives earlier)?

Also, did you find it hard to keep injecting in your tummy as it got bigger?

many thanks

[WannabeMum]

Hey Possums - I know it's been a while since you posted. I stayed on clexane right through my pregnancy with DS (haven't needed it this time so far ). Heparin crosses the placenta, I'd be surprised if they swapped your meds. My haematologist and obstetrician kept my on clexane, then monitored my cervix until I was pretty ready to labour, then stopped the clexane and induced labour a couple of days later. That way your clotting factors are back to normal by the time you deliver - was confirmed by bloods where I went. That was private, but I don't see why they couldn't do the same in a public clinic?

Re injecting, I used my hips - more fat there than my tummy, especially later in pg. But it got hard to reach - and because of the dose I was on, I had to have two injections! You can inject anywhere there's some fat - your thighs may be easier to reach later on (hip type area while sitting was a good option for me). As long as you can pinch up some fatty tissue, you can inject.

Good luck - wishing you a happy and healthy labour and baby!