Pregnancy and Childbirth
and Lowering Risks for Life-Threatening Blood Clots
The links between pregnancy, childbirth and blood clots
The links between pregnancy, childbirth and blood clots
– Pregnant women are at five times greater risk of a life-threatening blood clot than non-pregnant women. The risk increases after delivery.
– Pregnant women are at five times greater risk of a life-threatening blood clot than non-pregnant women. The risk increases after delivery.
– Blood clots cause of 10 percent of all maternal deaths in the Western world, with pulmonary embolism being the leading cause.
– Blood clots cause of 10 percent of all maternal deaths in the Western world, with pulmonary embolism being the leading cause.
Why do childbirth and pregnancy increase the risk of blood clots?
Why do childbirth and pregnancy increase the risk of blood clots?
– The blood clotting system is activated during pregnancy to protect the woman from fatal bleeding during labor and delivery.
– The blood clotting system is activated during pregnancy to protect the woman from fatal bleeding during labor and delivery.
– The growing baby presses on the veins of the pelvis, slowing blood flow.
– The growing baby presses on the veins of the pelvis, slowing blood flow.
– Other risk factors for a blood clot during pregnancy and childbirth include:
– Other risk factors for a blood clot during pregnancy and childbirth include:
- Inherited blood-clotting disorders
- History of blood clots
- Older age at time of pregnancy
- Obesity
- Cesarean delivery
- Major bleeding after delivery
How can I lower my risks during and after a pregnancy?
How can I lower my risks during and after a pregnancy?
Stay Active
Stay Active
Keep your legs moving to help blood flow up the veins out of the leg unless your healthcare provider has told you otherwise.
Keep your legs moving to help blood flow up the veins out of the leg unless your healthcare provider has told you otherwise.
Assess Your Risks
Assess Your Risks
Women at very high risk might be treated with low dose blood thinning medications (anticoagulants).
Women at very high risk might be treated with low dose blood thinning medications (anticoagulants).
Drink Water
Drink Water
Be sure to stay well-hydrated.
Be sure to stay well-hydrated.
Consider Compression
Consider Compression
Graduated compression stockings can be worn if advised by your healthcare provider.
Graduated compression stockings can be worn if advised by your healthcare provider.
Know The Symptoms
Know The Symptoms
Learn to recognize the symptoms of a dangerous blood clot and speak up if you notice anything that concerns you.
Learn to recognize the symptoms of a dangerous blood clot and speak up if you notice anything that concerns you.
Learn more about the symptoms of dangerous blood clot or VTE.
Learn more about the symptoms of dangerous blood clot or VTE.
Downloadable PDF Discussion Guide <link coming soon>
Hear from Mary Kay B. "I wish I had known I was at increased risk... Sometimes you have to be your own advocate."
Hear from Mary Kay B. "I wish I had known I was at increased risk... Sometimes you have to be your own advocate."
