Delayed hypersensitivity to low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in pregnancy : clinical practice : SAMJ forum

Heparin is currently the anticoagulant of choice for the prevention and treatment of thrombo-embolic disease in pregnancy because it does not cross the placenta. The use of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is preferred to unfractionated heparin (UFH) as it is associated with a lower risk of bleeding, osteoporosis, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and hypersensitivity reactions. Fondaparinux is a valuable alternative to LMWH during pregnancy in patients with heparin-induced skin reactions and / or HIT.