Blood Clots During Pregnancy.
I heard about a woman who had thrombophlebitis during pregnancy. Is that the same as a blood clot in the leg? Yes, it is. The problem has several names, including venous thrombosis, thromboembolic disease, thrombophlebitis and lower deep vein thrombosis.
Why do blood clots in the leg occur in pregnancy? This condition is more likely to occur during pregnancy because
of the changes in blood circulation. There is a slowing of blood flow
in the legs because of pressure from the uterus on blood vessels and
because of changes in the blood and its clotting mechanisms. Blood
clots occur in less than 1% of all pregnancies. What causes blood clots during pregnancy? The most likely cause is decreased blood flow, called stasis. I had a blood clot a few years ago. Is that relevant to my pregnancy? Yes. Tell your doctor about it. This is important information! I have a blood clot in my leg, but my doctor said it isn't serious because it's "superficial." What does that mean? If a blood clot occurs in the veins near the surface of the leg, it is not serious. This type of thrombosis does not require hospitalization and is treated with mild pain relievers, elevation of the leg, heat and support of the leg with an Ace bandage or support stockings. I have a deep-vein thrombosis, and my doctor said it is a serious problem. Why? It is more serious because of the risk of the blood clot breaking loose and traveling to another part of the body, such as the lungs. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS Signs and symptoms can vary widely and include the following: - paleness of the leg
- leg is cool to the touch
- a portion of the leg may be tender, hot and swollen
- skin of the leg may have red streaks over the veins
- squeezing the calf or walking may be very painful
- rapid, abrupt onset of the above symptoms
How is a deep-vein thrombosis diagnosed? A pregnant woman will have an ultrasound of her legs. A non-pregnant woman will have either X-ray or ultrasound. How is deep-vein thrombosis treated during pregnancy? Treatment usually consists of hospitalization and administration of heparin to thin the blood and to allow the clot to dissolve. While receiving heparin, the woman is required to stay in bed with heat applied to her elevated leg. I had a blood clot with my last pregnancy and just found out I'm pregnant. What should I do? Call your doctor. If you have had a blood clot with a previous pregnancy, you will probably need heparin during this pregnancy. It should be started right away. If heparin is used to prevent another blood clot, how is it given? You give yourself injections 2 or 3 times a day, using a long-dwelling I.V. or a heparin pump. Isn't there a blood thinner that can be taken as a pill? Yes, it is called warfarin (Coumadin), but it is not usually given during pregnancy because it is not safe for the baby. Heparin is safe for use during pregnancy. After you deliver, you may have to take warfarin for a few weeks, depending on the severity of the blood clot. How common is a pulmonary embolism in pregnancy? It is a rare problem in pregnancy.
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