Found out I'd be a "high risk" pregnancy? I'm SCARED but we planned on having a baby -now what?

Question

I have a teenage daughter from a previous relationship, had no problems with that pregnancy at all. Now I'm 32, married, my husband has no children of his own and he'd really like one. I was open to having another, too, but - I recently found out that I have high levels of specific antibodies in my blood which make me prone to having heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes. Pregnancy increases these risks. If I were to become pregnant, I'd be considered 'high risk' and I'd have to inject blood thinners daily into my abdomen from the start of my pregnancy until 6 weeks postpartum.
I've already had a stroke, and I was lucky that it was small and in a place that left me no weakness or deficeincies. I'm scared to get pregnant now that I know the risks to me and to baby, but my husband is still really wanting to do this. When I tell him I'm scared he just says I'm worried for nothing, that I'd be fine.
Now what do I do?

We have gotten many opinions from reputable 'high risk' OBs, and they 'think' I'd be okay, but there's not much literature or studies done on women with these antibodies or previous stroke, because it's so rare, so it's kind of a crap shoot to guess my odds of complications.

Answer 1

"High risk" means that you will get more attention and care during your pregnancy than would someone who was "low risk". All pregnancies carry some risk. I don't know what to tell you about heart attacks and strokes, but I had a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in my lung) the day of our daughter's c-section. I was lucky in the fact that I was already in the hospital (it happened a few hours after she was born). But these things can happen to anyone. As far as the injections, I assume it would be the same that I use, lovenox (I think that's the only blood thinner considered safe during pregnancy). It did take a little getting used to, giving myself a shot everyday. There are times that the injection site will end up with a nasty looking bruise (just like with any injection). But I've been doing it for a couple of months now, and it's really not that bad. BTW, I am also "high risk" for several reasons (carrying twins, miscarriage a month before conception (no period), obese, history of blood clot and even though I'm not 35 yet, I'm not that far, so because of my age as well). I think if you really want another baby, you should go for it. There is a reason that they classify pregnancies into low and high risk, and the higher risk will get more care so you will have just as good a chance as anyone else as having a healthy pregnancy and baby. Good luck.

Answer 2

My mother went through the same thing with my younger brother. He was a high risk pregnancy because my mother had 3 previous C sections and other health problems. They even offered my mother an abortion in order to save her but lose the baby. My mother said she'd suck it up and she'd go through with the pregnancy. They said that many things could happen and they make you sign tons of paperwork. We prayed and had faith in God. Well things turned out okay! My baby brother was born prematurely and was placed in intensive care but then he was fine. My mother is fine, she remained in the hospital for a week and we visited her everday. She was fine and happy that everything turned out okay. You'll be okay, don't be so negative =)

Answer 3

Has he been to the doc with you? That is probably a good step. Or look up some medical resources on the condition that you have and show him some hard proof.

If he still doesn't believe you, I would pretty much just refuse to get pregnant. Your life is literally at stake. I'd adopt. There are tons of kids out there crying for homes to love them.

Answer 4

I THINK YOU SHOULD TAKE YOUR HUSBAND TO THE DOCTOR WITH YOU SO HE CAN SEE FOR HISSELF HOW DANGEROUS IT COULD BE FOR YOU AND THE UNBORN CHILD SINCE YOU ARE AT A STAGE OF HIGH RISK. IF HE STILL DOESN'T GIVE 3 FUDGENUTTENS THEN YOU NEED TO THINK REALLY HARD IS THIS THE GUY YOU WANT TO SPEND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE WITH. BC IF THAT WAS MY MAN AND HE WAS ACTING LKE THAT I WOULD HAVE BOUNCED ALONG TIME AGO. YOU NEED SOMEONE WHO IS GOING TO CARE FOR YOUR SAFETY AND YOUR HEALTH ISSUES NOT SOME GUY LIKE HIS SELF. SORRY BUT IT IS SO TRUE. HOPEFULLY I GAVE YOU SOME GOOD ADVICE AND IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT I'M VERY SORRY BUT YOU NEED TO THINK ABOUT YOU NOT OTHER PEOLPE RIGHT NOW YOU THE ONE WITH A HIGH RISK HEART DISEASE AND IT'S NOT A JOKE. MY AUNT DIED 1 DAY BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY FOR THE SAME REASON . SHE ALSO HAD A HEART DISEASE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

Answer 5

maybe your doctor can talk some sense into him... obviously your hubby has total disregard for your medical condition..
Dint risk your life just to have a child for him. Do what you feel comfortable doing. Because if something were to happen to you, he may be raising that baby all alone!! And your teenage daughter would have to go through life without he rm other. Your condition is very scary and very REAL and it is nothing to take lightly!

Answer 6

first of all don't listen to your husband.....he apparently doesn't care about your feelings in this matter. this is your life and your body. You can do some research on the matter yourself and then make your decision based on your findings. Ask other Dr's. Try to locate other women who have had a pregnancy with the same problem and see how they faired through it.

Answer 7

talk to your doctors i am in a similar boat. i have a dangerous heart problem. i had a heart attack while pregnant. i am only 29 had the attack at 24 we are currently trying as i am now safe. still high risk but its safer talk to your doctor, and maybe you should look into adoption

Answer 8

Think long and hard about it. Good luck!

Answer 9

pray to God really hard

sorry cant help u more, but if u pray and believe He will take care of you and ur child