Factor V Leiden

Hi All,

I am just wondering if anyone out there has been through a pregnancy and has this genetic disorder? I would love to hear about it!

I am 36 weeks pregnant and all has been going to plan up until now. I have always known I had FVL (it was diagnosed several years ago after my dad had a TIA). I am heterozygous, hence lower risk.

I have a fantastic midwife who is an RN, has dealt with FVL pregnancies many times and is very happy with the pregnancy's progress. Having said that, at both my request and her recommendation I have also seen an obstetrician at 16 weeks and have a follow up appt and scan this week. I have had growth scans throughout and the baby is growing fine - exactly on the 50th percentile in fact. The plan was for me to be on Cartia until 37 weeks, then come off it, and provided I have been off it more than 1 week before I deliver I am not considered high risk and can be treated like any other woman.

As I will be delivering in south auckland and Middlemore is a good half to 3/4 hr away, while the birth unit is about 2km away, I would definitely prefer to at least start at the birth unit. At least the trip to the hospital will be quicker in an ambo!

Now (as a result of a sad experience with their own first birth, which was back in 1973 but nothing at all to do with FVL) my parents have started panicking about my birth and have been to see their GP who has put the fear of God into them by telling them I could have a DVT at any stage, and I should definitely deliver in the hospital as I'm high risk etc etc. They have also obtained the name of some other obstetrician they want me to go and see. Their interference is extremely frustrating and causing me a lot of stress which I don't need, but more it is making me (and my partner) question my decisions about the birth, and lord knows I need his support in there. All the info I can find suggests that in making it this far without problems I am likely to be fine, although there is still the increased risk of still birth. That seems to be there no matter where I deliver though.

I would really appreciate some feedback if anyone has any experience with this. Negative is fine - I wonder sometimes if all these hormones mean I have lost the ability to think rationally!

See the OB and follow his/her recommendations.  You may find that they want you to deliver in hospital as it does reduce the risk.  And 3/4hr drive isnt too bad. I had a 3 hour drive...now that caused stress!!!  Try not to let your parents get to you.  you still have plenty of time to find out all your options.