Question

5.   What precautions should be taken when caring for a woman of childbearing age who is homozygous for the factor V Leiden allele?

Answer 1

5) FACTOR V LEIDEN IS A COMMON GENETIC MUTATION that predisposes its carriers to venous thromboembolism. When combined with the hypercoagulable state that is characteristic of pregnancy, there is an increased risk of severe and recurrent pregnancy complication.

There is more risk of a blood clot if both gene codes are for Factor V Leiden (ie in the homozygous state).

#. Precautions to be taken :-

Wear loose-fitting clothes, socks, or stockings.

Raise your legs 6 inches above your heart from time to time.

Wear special stockings (called compression stockings) if your doctor prescribes them.

Do exercises as adviced by doctor

Change your position often, especially during a long trip.

Do not stand or sit for more than 1 hour at a time.

Eat less salt.

Try not to bump or hurt your legs and try not to cross them.

Do not use pillows under your knees.

Raise the bottom of your bed 4 to 6 inches with blocks or books.

Take all medicines the doctor prescribes you.