The Basics
What is Heparin?
Used to prevent blood clots from forming in people who have certain medical conditions or who are undergoing certain medical procedures that increase the chance that clots will form.
Brand names for Heparin
Heparin
How Heparin is classified
Anticoagulants
Heparin During Pregnancy
Heparin pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Heparin while pregnant
N/A
Taking Heparin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Heparin?
Although heparin itself has not been studied, low molecular weight heparins (e.g., dalteparin, enoxaparin) are not excreted into breastmilk in clinically relevant amounts. Because heparin has an even higher molecular weight of 3000 to 30,000 daltons, it would not be expected to be appreciably excreted into breastmilk or absorbed by the infant. No special precautions are required.[1]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Although heparin itself has not been studied, low molecular weight heparins (e.g., dalteparin, enoxaparin) are not excreted into breastmilk in clinically relevant amounts. Because heparin has an even higher molecular weight of 3000 to 30,000 daltons, it would not be expected to be appreciably excreted into breastmilk or absorbed by the infant. No special precautions are required.[1]
Possible effects of Heparin on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Heparin
Acenocoumarol, Dalteparin, Enoxaparin, Warfarin.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Bates SM, Greer IA, Middeldorp S et al. VTE, thrombophilia, antithrombotic therapy, and pregnancy: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest. 2012;141 (2 Suppl):e691S-736S. PMID: 22315276
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
