Factor 5 also known as factor v leiden is a blood disorder where the person has inherited 1 or both of the genes that cause blood to clot more often than normal.Not to be confused with the factor v deficiency ( bleeding heavily).
As it is inherited from our 
parents we can inherit eithier one or both genes from both parents,People who one gene have a high risk of getting a blood clot, people who inherited both genes are a much higher risk of getting a clot.
There are no obvious signs for factor v leiden unless presenting with blood clot.
Most cases present with blood clot in the leg obvious signs of that include swelling ,painfulness and red.
May also get clot in the lung ,which may make breathing hard. And i can tell you from personally expierence with a blood clot in the lung you dont only get pain in the lung or rib area you can also get whats called pleuritic pain in the shoulder, you may also get pain when laying down. Blood clots in the lungs dont always start with a clot in the leg mine occured in the pelvic veins.
Factor v leiden and pregnancy
Pregnancy can increase the risk slighlty of a clot forming.
To stop this happening women with both genes will have to be on blood thinning medication through their pregnancy and depending on the dr 10 days to 6 weeks after baby is born.
How to avoid clots during pregnancy
If you have 1 gene and have previously had a clot you will be givin a blood thinning medication. Same is said for the women who have 2 genes but there medication will be life long.
Move around keep yourself as mobile as you can even a half an hour walk does help,
pressure stockings you can ask your dr for these they help even if not that comfortable.
give up smoking as it may contribute to you getting a clot.
When traveling stop often and walk around stretch you legs wiggle your ankles anything to keep the blood moving.Speck to your dr before flying whilst pregnant.
Talk to your dr about the labour have a plan.I know from expierence that if c-section is needed and you have only had clexane a few hours ago you may be put under to have your baby so it pays to have a plan.
Where to put the shots
As i have a needle phobia it took awhile to get me convinced to do it myself but i learnt,this may not be for everyone but i found it more convienant and i trust myself more than i trust anyone else.
The nurses taught me to do it and putting it in my tummy really hurt so my dr told me i could put it in the top of my legs i did the only draw back is the bruises but thats a small side effect.
before you defer of what your dr has said you should always consult the dr.
What to do if you suspect you have a clot
Go straight to the emergency room.If you have never been tested for factor v leiden they will test you.
A blood test is the only way to see if you carry the gene or genes.
To test for blood clots
Blood clots in the arm or leg can be detected by an ultra sound or xray.Clots in the lung are harder to detect a radioactive dye is injected to see where the blood is flowing and is determined by that among other factors including air circulation.
Is there hope to have more children?
Yes i had the pe(pulmanary embolism clot on the lung) on my first pregnancy in the 11 week,I carried to full term and proceeded to have 3 more babies hassle free,as son as you get pregnant and you know you have factor v leiden you go see your dr, at about the 13 week you will start on blood thinning medication,with proper care and constant dr's appt you and your babies will be fine.
i noticed a few questions on this latley so i thought i would right from what i expiernced.
if anyone has any info to add or that i forgot let me know.
thanks for reading
any questions to hesitate to ask me i will help if i can i also know there other minti mus that could help if i can't
stacey xoxox
info gathered from expierence and
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/factorv.htm
(January 2008) (
