Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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 Ask Dr. Greenfield
Pregnant with High Risk of Complications | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
I will be 35 in June. I have had three miscarriages and one tubal pregnancy. I am RH negative, and I also have antosphospholipid something or another. My blood clots and I have to take an aspirin a day to thin out my blood. I just missed my period four days ago and have not been to the doctor. What can I do to avoid loosing this child also? Do I even have a chance?— Aackles in Militarary APO, AP | | | ANSWER |
February 28, 2002 | | | Dear Aackles,
As you know, you have multiple risk factors for pregnancy complications. You are at risk for another ectopic pregnancy as well as for miscarriage.
The first step is to run a pregnancy test. I am sure you are feeling very anxious, and it might be tempting to wait to see the doctor since you have had such miserable experiences before. However, if you are pregnant, you should call your doctor and make arrangements to be seen as soon as possible. Taking aspirin may help prevent miscarriage, but there isn't anything you can do to prevent an ectopic pregnancy, and early diagnosis can be lifesaving. If you have pain or bleeding, you should call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.
Once you get safely out of the first trimester, your risk will be lower. But you are someone who needs good prenatal care, especially over the next few weeks. And since there is a good chance that everything will be all right, don't forget to do the regular things we recommend in the first trimester, including taking folate! Good luck to you!— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
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