March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, which makes it a perfect time to discuss blood clots during pregnancy. During pregnancy, increased estrogen levels, lack of activity due to bed rest or general discomfort, and all of the fun things that come along with the changes happening within your body put you at a higher risk for developing blood clots.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, only one or two pregnant women out of every 1,000 will develop a blood clot. These women are most likely to develop the blood clot during their first three months or within the first six weeks after giving birth. Although they are rare, blood clots can be extremely dangerous and even fatal to both you and your baby.
Blood clots during pregnancy usually develop deep within the leg or pelvic region and are known as a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When DVT is caught in the early stages, treatment can begin to safely break down the clot. Without treatment, the blood clot can break apart into large clumps that can travel to the lungs, known as a pulmonary embolism, or to the placenta. A pulmonary embolism can be fatal to both mom and baby, while a clot that travels to the placenta can cut off blood supply to your baby.
Although blood clots are unlikely, there are few symptoms or warning signs that may indicate the presence of a blood clot. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important for you to contact your doctor or midwife immediately. Symptoms of blood clots during pregnancy include:
Treatment for blood clots usually includes preventive medications. These medications, known as blood thinners, stop existing clots from getting bigger and help prevent any new clots from forming.
Be sure to make your provider aware if you have any symptoms or even risk factors of developing a blood clot. This allows your doctor to closely monitor your progress and to be proactive in preventive care. If at any time during your pregnancy you notice any changes that have no explanation, please be sure to communicate that to your medical team.
The last week in April, from the 22nd to the 28th, is National Infertility Week, a time to raise awareness and to support people coping with this life-changing problem. Infertility is defined as not being able to get or … more