PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Shirin Abadi AU - Adrienne Einarson AU - Gideon Koren TI - Use of warfarin during pregnancy. DP - 2002 Apr 01 TA - Canadian Family Physician PG - 695--697 VI - 48 IP - 4 4099 - http://www.cfp.ca/content/48/4/695.short 4100 - http://www.cfp.ca/content/48/4/695.full SO - Can Fam Physician2002 Apr 01; 48 AB - QUESTION: One of my patients, who has been taking warfarin for some time for treatment and prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis, became pregnant due to failed contraception. I am unsure how to counsel her. Is there evidence that warfarin use during pregnancy is associated with fetal risk? ANSWER: If possible, warfarin therapy should be avoided during pregnancy. If warfarin therapy is essential, it should be avoided at least during the first trimester (because of teratogenicity) and from about 2 to 4 weeks before delivery to reduce risk of hemorrhagic complications. Unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin could be substituted when appropriate because these agents do not cross the placenta and are considered the anticoagulant drugs of choice during pregnancy.