Pregnancy and postpartum are associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, which may be due in part to stasis of venous return due to the pressure of the enlarging uterus, as well as pregnancy-related hypercoagulability.
The age-adjusted incidence of venous thromboembolism is estimated to be 5 to 50 times higher in pregnant women than in nonpregnant women.
What is Venous Thromboembolism?
venous thromboembolism is a blood clot in the veins. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may occur in the leg (or arm; less commonly, in the pelvis). The clot may move from its place to reach the vessels of the lungs and cause what is called pulmonary embolism, a very dangerous condition that requires immediate intervention and may cause death.
What are the symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis in the leg?
- Swelling.
- Pain.
- Warmth and redness.
What are the symptoms of pulmonary embolism?
- Shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.
- Sharp, knife-like pain in the chest when breathing or straining.
- Coughing or coughing up blood.
- Rapid heartbeat.
Prevention of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy and postpartum:
Awareness and familiarity with the symptoms and signs of venous thromboembolism by pregnant women and caregivers.
Commitment to visiting the doctor during pregnancy to determine the risk factors that may cause clots (such as: age, body mass, number of births, family history and genetic factors, smoking, diabetes, hospitalization, etc.).
Be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid dehydration.
Constant movement and activity and avoid sitting for long periods.
Taking preventive blood thinners by subcutaneous injections during pregnancy and postpartum according to the doctor's recommendation based on the risk index.