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I had pulmonary embolism in my teen age. Will it affect my future pregnancy?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

When I was 15 years old, I had a bilateral pulmonary embolism with no known causation. I was wondering about my options for pregnancy in the future, rather, if it would be an option. I am currently taking Apixaban twice daily, and I am unsure of when I will stop taking it. My clots have now dissolved, and I am doing alright. This may be a difficult question to answer, but I am curious nonetheless.

Answered by Dr. Poonguzhali Liston

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Poonguzhali Liston is a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in comprehensive women’s health care, including high-risk pregnancies, infertility, and minimally invasive gynecological surgeries. She is experienced in prenatal care, childbirth, and managing reproductive health disorders. Dr. Liston is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care focused on enhancing women’s health and well-being at every stage of life through evidence-based and patient-centered treatment.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Happy to hear that you are doing well and it is very wise to be concerned about your future pregnancy. So let me outline a few things for you. Pregnancy itself is a state in which blood clots more than in a non-pregnant person. This is due to an increase in progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy. Since you are high risk for clotting disorders (due to your history of pulmonary embolism (PE)) your chances of clots forming in your legs (DVT) and lung again (PE ) during pregnancy is increased by many folds. This puts you in high risk pregnancy category, which means even if you can get pregnant, it has to be planned and monitored very closely. During pregnancy, you will be started on low molecular weight heparin to prevent clotting and blood parameters like bleeding and clotting time, INR will be monitored. Let all this not worry you. Apixaban is toxic to pregnancy, hence contraception and prevention of pregnancy until the time you are on this drug is advised. So when you plan to get pregnant, prenatal counseling by a gynecologist and this drug switched to a safer pregnancy alternative. All this said and done, if you take the appropriate care and medication you can have a safe and uneventful pregnancy.

I hope this helps.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At July 28, 2020
Reviewed At June 11, 2026

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Poonguzhali Liston is a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in comprehensive women’s health care, including high-risk pregnancies, infertility, and minimally invasive gynecological surgeries. She is experienced in prenatal care, childbirth, and managing reproductive health disorders. Dr. Liston is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care focused on enhancing women’s health and well-being at every stage of life through evidence-based and patient-centered treatment.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Poonguzhali Liston is a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in comprehensive women’s health care, including high-risk pregnancies, infertility, and minimally invasive gynecological surgeries. She is experienced in prenatal care, childbirth, and managing reproductive health disorders. Dr. Liston is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care focused on enhancing women’s health and well-being at every stage of life through evidence-based and patient-centered treatment.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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