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Deep vein thrombosis in pregnancy. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein in the body, usually in the leg. If the clot breaks off into the bloodstream, it can block a blood vessel in the lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism and needs emergency treatment.
- Overview
- Can pregnancy cause DVT?
- How can DVT affect pregnancy?
- Symptoms of DVT
- Treatment for DVT during pregnancy
- Managing DVT during pregnancy
- Is it possible to prevent DVT during pregnancy?
- Diagnosis
- Outlook
- Frequently asked questions
Pregnancy increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can result in complications that affect the pregnant person and the fetus. Managing DVT or reducing blood clot risks is important to prevent complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
A pregnant person is five times more likely to experience a blood clot compared to those who are not pregnant. People will need to contact a doctor as soon as possible if they have any DVT symptoms.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person is more likely to experience a blood clot during pregnancy, childbirth, and up to 3 months after delivery.
This is because:
•natural changes during pregnancy cause the blood to clot more easily to reduce the chance of blood loss during delivery
•the growing fetus presses on the blood vessels around the pelvis, resulting in less blood flow to the legs
•bed rest after delivery limits a person’s movement, limiting the blood flow in the legs and arms
Risk factors for developing blood clots during or after pregnancy include:
Pregnant person
During pregnancy, blood clots may increase the risk of: •preeclampsia •pregnancy loss •premature birth •stillbirth •a pulmonary embolism (PE) •a heart attack •stroke
Fetus
Blood clots may be potentially harmful to a fetus and may cause: •intrauterine growth restriction, which is when the fetus does not grow as expected •blood clots in the placenta, which may stop blood flow to the fetus •placental insufficiency, which prevents a fetus from getting enough food and oxygen
Delivery
Surgery for cesarean delivery may double the risk of serious blood clots. For those taking blood thinners, it is still possible to have a safe delivery. To reduce the bleeding risk, a doctor may need to stop blood thinning medications a few hours before delivery. This also allows people to get an epidural. Compression devices on the arms and legs may also help improve blood flow during delivery.
Vs. muscle cramps
Leg cramps can occur in pregnancy, commonly during the second and third trimester of pregnancy, and at night. If leg pain does not go away, or the area is warm, swollen, red, or discolored, people should contact a doctor as it may be a sign of a blood clot.
Vs. pulmonary embolism
A PE occurs if a blood clot breaks free and travels to the lungs. A PE can be a life threatening condition and requires immediate medical care. Symptoms of PE include: •difficulty breathing •chest pains, which worsen with coughing or deep breathing •increased or irregular heartbeat •coughing up blood
Doctors commonly prescribe oral blood thinners to treat DVT but many are not safe for a fetus.
Instead, treatment during pregnancy may include blood thinning medication injections under the skin, such as low-molecular-weight heparin.
These injections do not enter the bloodstream of a fetus or cross the placenta, so they are safe to take during pregnancy.
A doctor will deliver the injection into the abdomen, but this cannot harm a fetus, as the needle only reaches the top layers of skin.
Managing DVT during pregnancy may include:
•having blood thinning medication injections, which are safe for the pregnant person and fetus
•using compression devices, such as wearing compression stockings, to help promote healthy blood flow
These methods are safe and effective in helping prevent blood clots during and after pregnancy in people at high risk.
People can talk with a healthcare professional about the risks of blood clots during pregnancy and if they have any personal risk factors.
Steps to help prevent blood clots include:
•avoid sitting for long periods and move around or stretch the legs every 1–2 hours if sitting down
•stay well-hydrated and drink 10 glasses of fluid daily during pregnancy, and 12–13 glasses daily while nursing
To diagnose DVT during pregnancy, a doctor may use imaging tests, such as an MRI scan and ultrasound.
A doctor will also use tests to check the health of the fetus by monitoring the heart rate and oxygen levels.
Blood clots can increase the risk of severe complications in pregnancy, but with proper management, people at risk are still able to have safe pregnancies and deliveries.
Heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin may help prevent blood clots and are safe to use during pregnancy without causing adverse side effects to a fetus.
Is DVT more likely to affect one leg more than the other?
DVT usually only occurs in one leg and may be more likely to affect the left leg than the right. A PE may occur more frequently with a right-sided DVT than a left-sided DVT.
Is it safe for people to conceive if they have DVT?
Most people with a blood clotting condition can still have healthy pregnancies. It is important to talk through potential risks with a healthcare professional and follow any treatment a doctor prescribes.
- Beth Sissons
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein of the leg, calf or pelvis. Pregnancy increases your risk of a DVT, with the highest risk being just after you have had your baby. However, venous thrombosis is still uncommon in pregnancy or in the first 6 weeks after birth, occurring in only 1-2 in 1000 women.
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein of the leg, calf or pelvis. Pregnancy increases your risk of a DVT, with the highest risk being just after you have had your baby. However, venous thrombosis is still uncommon in pregnancy or in the first 6 weeks after birth, occurring in only 1–2 in 1000 women.
Apr 12, 2023 · The changes that happen in the body during pregnancy can cause blood clotting. The risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is low, but symptoms may include swelling, pain in one leg, skin warmth and ...
- Claire Gillespie
HRT have a small increased risk of DVT.• Pregnancy - Pregnancy increases the risk of developing a DVT beca. se the blood becomes more ‘sticky’. About 1 in 1000 pregnant women develops a DVT and the risk continues f. r up to 6 weeks after the baby is born.• Obesity - The veins are more likely to become narrowed because.
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May 31, 2017 · Diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in pregnant women can be difficult given that the Wells’score and D-dimer are not validated for use. Compression ultrasonography with Doppler examination of the iliofemoral region is the first line diagnostic tool. Anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin is the preferred treatment for pregnant ...
