finally had my appointment to discuss my pregnancy

Hi Liz

I finally had my appointment today to put forward my concerns over the care given during my previous pregnancy. I had been putting it off as I was petrified that I would not be able to put forward my views and that the outcome would be blame placed at my feet because I am overweight. Well I really pleased to say that this was not the case at all. I'm so glad I went ahead with this as it not only confirmed my initial thoughts that I SHOULD have had aspirin prescribed in the early stages but also it gave me hope that if I can talk my partner round that baby no 3 is not totally out of the question! Even better is the fact that I would be able to be seen by a different consultant to the one who oversaw my previous pregnancy (and who the complaint was regarding) and this would comprise of a pre conception app at which aspirin would be prescribed and then if I were to fall pregnant the pregnancy would be closely monitored and lots more scans with him to assess the growth of baby and monitor placenta and umbilical cord.

However one thing I did want to ask was during the meeting today the clincal director asked if any investigations had been made into whether I had any conditions which could make me more predisposed to PE (I think he mentioned auto immune and others things?) and he suggested having a blood test today to see, the blood form listed quite a few things none of which I can remember - I believe he said it takes 8 weeks to get the results but I just wondered should I be worried about these tests? what if they prove positive are they outside of pregnancy anything to worry about because I am!! one thing he did say was that according to the bloods taken whilst I was pregnant it did suggest a condition which is like arthritus but again as it was taken in pregnancy this could hinder the validity of the test. Sorry to ramble but wondered if this might make sense to you and if you can stop me worrying!

x

Hi Jackie419,

I am so glad your appointment went well and that you sound like you got out of it exactly what you wanted to get. Well done for being brave enough to challenge the decisions that were made. I am certain that because of your courage others will benefit as well.

To answer your question again I am certain that the bloods that have been ordered are thrombophilia screening. Depending on where you are in the UK, these bloods can take a long time to process. One of the tests looks for a particular protien (the name of which I cannot remember off the top of my head but would definately get you a good scrabble score!) is released very slowly from the blood cells and it is this protien which influences how your blood clots. On a day to day level it causes no problem. If you are pregnant or going on a long flight (over 4 hours) it can cause an issue. It would depend on the level of protien you had (if the test is positive) that would indicate whether or not you might benefit from heparin injections as well during pregnancy.

Even if it is positive, I really would like you to hear that this bit - it does not mean you will get PE again, it just proves what we think we already know - that you would be higher risk.

With heparin this balances the odds and therefore is every reason to expect a happy outcome.

Well done again - and Thank you from all the other families Im sure you will unknowingly help.

Best Wishes
Liz