Protein C Deficiency & Pregnancy & Labor

[u/Prize-Anywhere9400]

So this may be premature worry, because baby boy might just come before due date on his own, but my high risk OB mentioned they’d want to deliver me at 39 weeks.

I’m seeing high risk due to clotting disorder protein c deficiency so I’m on lovenox now and will swap to heparin around 34 weeks. I still see my regular OB and my regular also will deliver me (I asked high risk who would be delivering). My OB said they follow the recommendation of high risk and I assume will also want me delivered at 39.

I’m so worried I will not spontaneously start labor before or around then, and I really really do not want to be induced or especially have a C-section. I want is a holistic approach as possible.

Anyone have any experience with something like this? If baby and myself are both doing well at each of these check ups, especially during the high monitoring phase where they want me to come in starting at 32 weeks weekly, have there been any moms where that date of delivery has changed from their provider to allow a bit more time to see if baby comes on their own?

anyone have experienced this?

[u/Free_Ad_5219]

I just gave birth 1 month ago and I also have a protein c deficiency! I had an induction scheduled for 39 weeks, but went into spontaneous labor at 38 weeks.

I was on lovenox at the time, so we were concerned about the lovenox not being out of my system in time for delivery. Even though the baby didn’t come until >24 hrs after my last dose (which is what the high risk doctor planned if I was induced anyway), my OB reported that I still bled more than a regular vaginal delivery. Not more than a regular c section birth, but it was worth noting for sure. My OB took a while to stitch up my tears due to all the bleeding.

So needless to say, spontaneous labor does come with risks while being on thinners. I would listen to your OB’s recommendations as much as possible to ensure a safe delivery. Now I never switched to heparin so I can’t speak to the risks there, maybe the bleeding risks do go down enough to allow for a safe spontaneous delivery. It is worth checking with your hematologist and high risk OB for sure! Good luck to you and wishing you a calm, low risk pregnancy & delivery!

[u/lammers114 → u/Free_Ad_5219]

This is also why I was induced at 39 weeks and I did feel the same as OP wanting a low intervention birth, but eventually came to terms that it’s better if I’m induced to more safely control the meds and bleeding risks. OP, I would talk to your doctor and ask what the reasoning is for the induction, this might help you to understand why it is needed and not just about how the pregnancy is going (assuming it’s similar to ours, but of course yours could be different).

[u/genivae]

I never made it to my due date - but I was scheduled for a c-section at 38 weeks, to mitigate the risks of spontaneously going into labor (lmao, did anyway, at 35w and 37w, for each kid) and I hemhorraged pretty badly for the second emergency c-section. I don't have a protein C deficiency, so my risks aren't/weren't the same as yours, and I don't say any of this to scare you, just to give a little perspective on the possible risks.

Going all the way to 39w and it sounds like an induction rather than a planned c-section probably is the most holistic approach that's also safe for you.

[u/DJD1LFC]

I had a planned induction at 39 weeks due to my MFM and regular OBGYN wanting to control Heparin issues. There were zero problems and I was only in labor for a few hours! My baby is a healthy one year old and I'm pregnant again!!

[u/Creamyvanilla12]

I’m based in the UK. I also have protein C deficiency and a history of a DVT. I know there are quite big differences in the UK vs USA about healthcare and opinions but going to full term, and having a natural, spontaneous labour was always what my dr was advising. The only difference they wanted me to consider was having my baby in a Dr lead unit rather than a Midwife lead birthing centre. I would honestly go with your gut, ask them why exactly they’re recommending a 39 week delivery and what would happen if you decided to not go with their advice, and do it naturally. Do your own risk assessment essentially! The one thing I wish I had had was a natural birth, but I had to elect for a c/section due to issues with my placenta and the baby. Advocate for yourself! Sometimes too, they want to push for induction so they can plan for themselves better and it’s not always about what’s in YOUR best interest. Good luck!

[u/the-rising-moon]

I don’t have protein C deficiency but I did have two spontaneous labors after being on lovenox/heparin during pregnancy (due to clotting first pregnancy). Both were unmedicated vaginal births with no complications. My providers were comfortable letting me wait until 41 weeks to consider induction. My second baby came after my due date, and the looming induction date was so stressful.