Preventing Blood Clots After Childbirth: What New Moms Should Know
Published: Jan 21, 2024
The risk of blood clots doesn't end with delivery. In fact, the weeks following childbirth are a high-risk period for blood clots. Understanding how to prevent them is crucial for new mothers.
Contents
The Postpartum Clot Risk
After giving birth, a woman's body goes through many changes. The risk of blood clots is highest in the first 6 weeks postpartum. This is due to hormonal changes, potential blood loss during delivery, and decreased mobility after childbirth. Cesarean deliveries further increase this risk compared to vaginal births.
Who Needs Preventive Treatment?
Not all new mothers need medication to prevent blood clots. Your doctor will assess your personal risk factors. These may include a history of blood clots, certain inherited conditions, obesity, age over 35, or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Based on these factors, your doctor will recommend appropriate preventive measures.
Prevention Strategies
For many women, simple measures can help prevent blood clots. These include early mobilization after delivery, staying hydrated, and wearing compression stockings. For women at higher risk, blood-thinning medications may be prescribed. These are typically given as injections and are safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most blood thinners used after childbirth are safe for breastfeeding.
As soon as your doctor says it's safe, usually within a few hours of delivery.
Leg pain or swelling, chest pain, or shortness of breath require immediate medical attention.
It depends on your other risk factors; not all women who deliver vaginally need medication.
Key Takeaways
Preventing blood clots after childbirth is an important part of postpartum care that shouldn't be overlooked.
Discuss your postpartum clot prevention plan with Doctronic to ensure a safe recovery after childbirth.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.
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.