Are You at Risk for Blood Clots During Pregnancy?
Published: Oct 04, 2024
Medically reviewed by Allegra Fierro | MD, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai - New York on October 4th, 2024.
Blood clots during pregnancy can be dangerous, but knowing your risk factors can help prevent them. Some women are more likely to develop clots, and understanding why is crucial for a healthy pregnancy.
Contents
Common Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your risk of blood clots during pregnancy. These include a personal or family history of blood clots, certain inherited blood disorders, being overweight or obese, smoking, and prolonged bed rest. Age over 35 and having multiple pregnancies also raise the risk.
Medical Conditions That Increase Risk
Some medical conditions significantly raise the risk of blood clots. These include having a mechanical heart valve, antiphospholipid syndrome, and certain types of thrombophilia (inherited blood clotting disorders). Women with these conditions often need specialized care and blood-thinning medications during pregnancy.
Pregnancy-Related Factors
Pregnancy itself increases the risk of blood clots due to hormonal changes and increased pressure on blood vessels. This risk is highest in the third trimester and immediately after delivery. Cesarean delivery, especially if unplanned or emergency, further increases the risk compared to vaginal delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can help.
Varicose veins alone don't significantly increase clot risk, but may if combined with other factors.
It can be, but may require special precautions; consult your doctor before flying.
Yes, staying well-hydrated is important for reducing clot risk.
Key Takeaways
Understanding your personal risk factors for blood clots is an important step in ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
Discuss your risk factors with Doctronic to create a personalized prevention plan for a safer pregnancy.Related Articles
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 196: Thromboembolism in Pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 2018; 132:e1.
Bates SM, et al. American Society of Hematology 2018 guidelines for management of venous thromboembolism: venous thromboembolism in the context of pregnancy. Blood Adv 2018; 2:3317.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.