Introduction
Blood clotting may result from the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is rare, but when it occurs, symptoms might include puffiness, warmth and discoloration of the skin, edema, and pain in one leg. Pregnancy raises levels of blood-clotting proteins while lowering levels of anticlotting proteins. This lessens the quantity of blood lost during childbirth. The growing uterus during pregnancy may also raise the risk because it increases the pressure on the lower body veins that carry blood back to the heart.
What Is Blood Clot?
A blood clot results when the body produces platelets to obstruct blood flow. This usually happens when a person has a cut and needs to stop the bleeding. Blood clotting is more common during pregnancy as a preventative measure against excessive blood loss during labor. On the other hand, blood clots in the legs and pelvis can cause a condition called deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), which is associated with several major health risks. The good news is that DVT may be prevented and treated once it manifests.
Why are Pregnant Women at Higher Risk for Blood Clots?
Physiological changes that occur naturally in women's bodies throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the first three months after delivery make them more vulnerable to blood clots. An increased ability of a woman's blood to clot during pregnancy helps to reduce blood loss during childbirth. As the baby grows, the blood arteries surrounding the pelvis press on them, causing pregnant women to suffer reduced blood supply to their legs later in pregnancy. Furthermore, a woman's chance of developing a blood clot increases if she remains immobile due to bed rest following childbirth, which restricts blood flow in the arms and legs.
Who Is at Risk of Blood Clots in Pregnancy?
Pregnancy increases the risk of blood clots due to the following factors:
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Prior thrombosis.
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Hereditary susceptibility to thrombosis.
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Being overweight.
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Extended immobility (for example, from bed rest to long-distance travel).
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Multiple births.
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Maternal age.
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Other medical conditions (for example, cancer, infection).
What Are the First Signs of a Blood Clot?
The following are the signs of a blood clot:
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Swelling in the leg or near a leg vein.
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Leg soreness or discomfort that one might only experience while walking or standing.
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Enhanced warmth in the sore or swollen leg region.
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Leg skin that is red or discolored.
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Difficulty breathing.
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Throwing up blood in the cough.
What Problems Can Blood Clots Cause During Pregnancy?
A person may be more susceptible to issues that could harm their health and the health of their unborn child if they have a blood clot or antiphospholipid syndrome, often known as APS, a kind of thrombophilia.
These complications could include:
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Blood Clots in the Placenta - Via the umbilical cord, the placenta provides nourishment and oxygen to the unborn child while it develops in the uterus or womb. A blood clot in the placenta might damage the unborn child by cutting off the blood supply.
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Heart Attack - This usually happens when a blood clot restricts blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Without oxygen and blood, the heart cannot adequately pump blood, and the damaged heart muscle may perish. Either death or long-term heart damage can result from a heart attack.
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IUGR - It stands for intrauterine growth restriction. This is a period of low womb growth for the baby.
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Miscarriage - Miscarriage is the term used to describe the death of the fetus in the womb before 20 weeks of pregnancy.
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Inadequate Placenta Supply - The baby receives less food and oxygen since the placenta is not functioning as it should.
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Pre-eclampsia - This syndrome typically manifests itself immediately following or after the 20th week of pregnancy. It occurs when a pregnant woman has elevated blood pressure and protein in the urine.
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Early Birth - This occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
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Pulmonary Embolism - An embolism is a blood clot that spreads outside of the body from its initial site. Pulmonary embolism can harm the body's organs and result in low blood oxygen levels. It is a serious condition and the primary cause of pregnancy-related deaths.
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Stillbirth - This happens when a baby dies before or during the delivery process.
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Angina - This occurs when a blood clot obstructs a blood vessel supplying the brain or when a blood vessel within the brain bursts. About 8 out of every 100,000 women experience a stroke as a result of pregnancy or childbirth. A stroke can result in death or long-term physical harm.
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Thrombosis - This happens when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel. Although it can happen anywhere on the body, the deep veins of the legs are typically where it manifests itself.
How Can One Prevent and Treat Blood Clots?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent deep vein thrombosis. Engaging in physical activity is essential in the fight against deep vein thrombosis. Consult a doctor about the kinds of workouts and activities that are appropriate. Frequent exercise helps prevent clot formation and enhance circulation. In addition, people should eat a balanced diet and give up smoking right away if they already do. It is critical to let the doctor know if one suspects deep vein thrombosis.
An anticoagulant, a drug that prevents blood from clotting, is almost certainly prescribed to patients diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis.
Conclusion
A blood clot can happen to anyone, but women are more likely to get one during pregnancy, during childbirth, and up to three months after giving birth. Pregnant women have a five-fold increased risk of blood clots compared to non-pregnant women. The majority of pregnant women with blood clotting disorders have safe pregnancies. However, some pregnant women may experience issues as a result of these illnesses. In extreme situations, they can result in the mother and child's deaths. However, early diagnosis and care can help save and protect the mother and the unborn child.
