American Society of Hirudotherapy

Low-molecular-weight heparins during pregnancy.

Research article published in Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien (2005)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewClinical TrialsMany et al. · Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 2005

Abstract

QUESTION: A few years ago I suffered from pulmonary emboli. My physician recommended I use dalteparin during this pregnancy although, during my previous pregnancy, I had received subcutaneous heparin injections three times daily. Is dalteparin the same as heparin? ANSWER: : Based on the best available evidence from mostly small prospective case series, retrospective reports, and placental perfusion studies, low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs), such as dalteparin, are a safe and convenient alternative to heparin during pregnancy for both mothers and fetuses. QUESTION: J’ai subi, il y a quelques années, une embolie pulmonaire. Mon médecin m’a recommandé d’utiliser de la daltéparine durant ma présente grossesse alors qu’au cours de la précédente, on m’administrait des injections sous-cutanées d’héparine trois fois par jour. La daltéparine est-elle le même médicament que l’héparine? RÉPONSE: En se fondant sur les meilleures données scientifiques disponibles, tirées principalement d’études de séries de cas prospectives, de rapports rétrospectifs et d’études de la perfusion placentaire, les héparines à bas poids moléculaire (HBM) comme la daltéparine sont une alternative sûre et pratique à l’héparine pendant la grossesse, tant pour la mère que pour le fœtus.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAnticoagulantsDalteparinFemaleHeparin, Low-Molecular-WeightHumansMaternal-Fetal ExchangePregnancyPregnancy Complications, CardiovascularPulmonary Embolism

Summary

Low-molecular-weight heparins during pregnancy.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This review addressed the safety and convenience of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs), such as dalteparin, as alternatives to unfractionated heparin during pregnancy for mothers and fetuses, based on evidence from small prospective case series, retrospective reports, and placental perfusion studies. It responded to a clinical question about dalteparin use in a pregnant patient with prior pulmonary emboli. For ASH's domain, this article concerns conventional heparin-derived anticoagulation in pregnancy and has no content related to leeches, hirudotherapy, or the leech secretome. Relevance to ASH's domain is essentially nil — it is a standard pharmacology review of LMWH use in obstetric anticoagulation. There is no defensible leech-therapy connection beyond the broad, shared topic of anticoagulation.

Citation

Low-molecular-weight heparins during pregnancy.

Many et al. · Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 2005

DOIPubMed

Added to ASH library: May 28, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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