MTHFR

Okay, so I have this compound MTHFR gene mutation, discovered via genetic testing at the beginning of this pregnancy. I am seeing a perinatologist (high risk OB), whom I like a great deal.

It's pretty clear from the research I have done, and the discussion I have had with my doctor, that this mutation raises my risk for certain thrombophilia-related complications during pregnancy (miscarriagem stillbirth, eclampsia, etc), although these risks apparently cannot be quantified.

What no one seems to be able to tell me is what my risks are for specific complications related to the mutation during labor and delivery. I simply cannot get any good answers on this anywhere. My doctor says he just wants to "watch me more carefully" during labor and delivery.

But really, I need clearer answers because this will play a big role in how and where I decide to give birth. I need to know whether I really need to stay with the perinatologists. If I do, I would have to give birth at a local hospital I do not favor, where I certainly will not get the kind of birth I want.

My first choice would still be to do it at the birth center - a waterbirth with midwives. But I do not feel confident making that decision unless and until I get some better info about what specific risks, if any, my defective genes pose to me/baby during labor and delivery.

I have searched the interwebs in vain for the info I need. And this is where YOU come in, dear blog reader.

If you know someone who has had this MTHFR issue, or if you know any geneticists or perinatologists who could anser these questions for me, please ask them about it and post your comments below. Feel free to copy and post this request for info from me on your own blog.

Thanks!

Katie