info overload

So today, here is what I found out from my doctor.

I am "compound heterozygous" for the MTHFR genetic mutations C677T and A1298C.

I also carry the PAI (-675) 4g/5g genotype.

Sheesh.

What does all this mean? Well, at minimum, it means I am at higher risk for clotting disorders throughout my life, and at higher risk in pregnancy for various venous and bloodflow-related problems. How much higher risk?

Well, that's where the info seems to vary some. Dr. Google has led me to a boatload of medical research on this topic, and it appears that research on these clotting mutations is exploding in recent years, and a lot of doctors aren't yet keeping up with the latest. The research makes it pretty clear that these mutations, especially in combinations like I have, put you at much higher risk for miscarriage. Despite this, a lot of doctors aren't yet familiar with their role in miscarriage.

What's less clear is just how strong the link is between these genetic issues and other pregnancy complications, like IUGR, placental problems, HEELP and preeclampsia. I never had any of these problems in previous pregnancies, but now, after reading all this info, I am worried. My perinatologist seems to think this is basically a situation where I need to be treated as a high risk pregnancy, and monitored every two weeks with ultrasounds, etc. He said he would definitely recommend giving birth in a hospital, not at home or at the birth center.

Lots to mull over.