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Venous Thromboembolism Blood Clots. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Venous Thromboembolism Blood Clots and Pregnancy. Minus Related Pages. Expecting or recently had a baby? Planning a Pregnancy or Expecting a Baby? Campaign Infographic and Factsheet These documents share important information about blood clot signs and symptoms, and risks for blood clots in pregnant women or women who just delivered a baby. Campaign Checklists Download these checklists to learn more about your risks for blood clots and how to guide a discussion with your healthcare provider.
Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. A blood clot in the deep vein also known as a deep vein thrombosis or DVT is a medical condition that typically occurs in the lower leg, thigh, pelvis or arm.
When a DVT is left untreated, a part of the clot can break off and travel to the lungs, causing a blockage called a pulmonary embolism PE. A PE can stop blood from reaching the lungs and can be deadly.
Although blood clots are preventable, a PE is one of the most common causes of pregnancy-related death in the United States. Pregnant women may also experience less blood flow to the legs later in pregnancy because the blood vessels around the pelvis are pressed upon by the growing baby. The likelihood of developing a blood clot increases with the more risk factors you have.
Use the Blood Clot Risk Checklist for pregnant women to help you determine your risk. Experts do know that during pregnancy, the level of blood-clotting proteins increases, while anti-clotting protein levels get lower. Other factors that can contribute to DVT during pregnancy may include an enlarged uterus, which increases pressure on the veins that return the blood to the heart from the lower body, as well as lack of movement due to bed rest.
Be sure to let your doctor know if you have a clotting disorder or if blood clots run in your family. You should also be aware of the signs of a blood clot, since early treatment can reduce the risks of complications like PE.
VTE has been linked to preeclampsia. Many people with preeclampsia have healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy, thriving babies. Left untreated, however, preeclampsia may lead to pregnancy complications. About 15 to 20 percent of all cases of DVT are linked to antiphospholipid syndrome APS , an autoimmune disorder that increases the risk of developing blood clots.
A tendency to have blood clots, in turn, is known as thrombophilia. APS has been linked to increased risk of recurrent miscarriage, blood clots in the placenta, placental insufficiency when the placenta is less efficient at getting food and oxygen to the baby , IUGR, and heart attack and stroke in the mother. If you or someone in your close family, such as a parent or sibling, has been diagnosed with DVT, let your practitioner know. Your doctor may run a blood test to see if you have a thrombophilia, which increases your risk of blood clots.
If you have thrombophilia, your doctor may want to start you on blood thinners just to be on the safe side.
In addition, if you notice any of the above symptoms especially during pregnancy or within the first eight weeks after birth , call your practitioner immediately. Your doctor may give you a test including a blood test, ultrasound or other imaging test to diagnose a DVT or PE. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations.
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