Heparin in pregnancy due to COVID-19 infection
During pregnancy, changes in the physiological and immune system put women at greater risk of viral infections. Furthermore, pregnancy causes a state of hypercoagulability, that is, an increase in blood clotting.
For this reason, and taking into account that an increase in thrombosis has been recorded in patients with severe cases of coronavirus, it can be established that, during pregnancy, COVID-19 infection may increase the chances of developing a blood clot in pregnant women..
For all these reasons, the Ministry of Health has prescribed the administration of heparin in pregnant or postpartum women diagnosed with COVID-19, following these guidelines of the Spanish Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (SETH).
What is heparin?
Heparin is a anticoagulant substance, that is, it is used as a means of preventing blood clots, preventing the formation of thrombi. It is administered intravenously or subcutaneously, usually in the abdomen.
How to administer heparin during pregnancy?
These are them SETH recommendations:
- In asymptomatic or mild cases, a prophylactic dose of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for two weeks, adjusted by weight.
- In moderate cases, at home, prophylactic dose of LMWH according to weight, 2 weeks and up to 7 days after the resolution of the medical condition.
- In cases of pneumonia or hospitalization, administer a prophylactic dose of LMWH adjusted for weight. After discharge, continue treatment for one month. During the third trimester, consideration should be given to extending treatment until delivery and even for six weeks after the birth.
In any case, if you are pregnant and test positive for coronavirus, don't worry, go to your gynecologist and he will be able to guide you on the treatment you should follow.
Related articles
- Coronavirus in pregnancy: prevention and treatment
- Influence of the pandemic on women's health
- Pregnancy and COVID-19
If you found this article interesting and would like to be seen by a professional expert in Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital has a specialized unit in this area. You can request more information by calling 917303673. make an appointment for an in-person consultation Or make an appointment for an online consultation if you prefer remote consultations—always with the best specialists.