Deep vein thrombosis also known as DVT is the formation of blood clot in the veins. It usually occurs in the calf or thigh muscle. DVT may cause partial or complete blockage of blood flow and as result causing chronic pain and swelling. This may cause damage to blood vessels . The blood clot may also break and travel to vital organs of the body such as lungs and heart. This can cause death within hours. Pregnant women are more likely to get thrombosis than women who are not pregnant. This condition can occur at any time during pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth.
 

 

Am I at risk ?

Factors that increase your risk for DVT include the following :

• being obese
• 35 years of age or older
• having a history of thrombosis
• carrying multiples
• having just had a cesarean section
• sitting for long periods of time such as long distance travel for more that 4 hours
• having thrombophilia which is a condition that makes blood clots more likely
• dehydration
• being a smoker

What are the symptoms of DVT ?

 
Half of all DVT cases are asymptomatic. If symptoms  do occur however, they include the following :

• swelling in one or both legs
• red or skin discoloration in the affected leg
• warmth in the skin of the affected leg
• visible surface veins

 
You should note that swelling and leg discomfort is common during pregnancy and does not always mean there is a problem. Always talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Untreated DVT can cause the blood clot to lodge into one of your lungs. This can cause a condition known as pulmonary embolism ( PE). PE is a very serious condition and needs immediate treatment. Symptoms of PE include :

• difficulty breathing
• chest pain or tightness
• sudden cough which may include blood

 
If you experience any of these symptoms, call the emergency service right away or go to the emergency room.

How to manage DVT during pregnancy .

 
Pregnant women with DVT are usually treated with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) . LMWH is an anticoagulant which means it prevents blood clots from getting bigger. This medication does not affect your baby. Heparin prevents blood clots from getting bigger therefore making it easier for the body to dissolve it. These injections reduce your likelihood of developing PE and another blood clot in your leg.

This treatment will last through the rest of your pregnancy and  at last 6 weeks after delivery.

There are other self-care measures you can take to reduce your risk of DVT.  These include :

• stay active  as much as you can
• wear prescribed compression stockings to help the circulation in your leg
• eat healthy especially if your are overweight
• stop smoking
• start walking around as soon as you can after a c-section. This will reduce the risk of blood clot formation

 
If you are travelling :

• walk up and down the plane , train or bus
• drink lots of water
•  don’t drink alcohol because it can lead to dehydration
• perform simple leg exercises such as flexing of ankles