Postpartum blood clots are blood clots that develop after childbirth. The risk of developing blood clots increase about 6 to 8 weeks after childbirth. Blood clots typically occur in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis. This disorder is known as deep vein thrombosis.
Some of the blood clots break loose and travel through the blood stream into the lungs and block blood flow. This blockage is known as pulmonary embolism.
Blood clots can also occur in the veins just under the skin in the legs. This disorder is known as superficial venous thrombosis.
What symptoms should i look out for ?
A fever that develops after childbirth may be due to a blood clot. When the blood clot forms in the leg vein, the affected part of the leg which is usually the calf may become painful, tender to touch, warm and swollen. A blood clot in the pelvis may be asymptomatic.
The first sign of pulmonary embolism is shortness of breath.
How is postpartum blood clots treated ?
If this condition is suspected, the following treatments may be required.
- For superficial blood clots , use warm compresses, compression bandages and elevation of the limbs. The warm compressions reduces the discomfort, compression bandages are applied by a doctor or nurse and elevation of the affected leg when resting (for example, by raising the foot off the bed 6 inches)
- Drugs are used for deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. These drugs are known as anticoagulants but are sometimes called blood thinners. They make blood less likely to clot.
Content Sources
Blood clots after birth. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/blood-clots-after-birth. Accessed April 4th, 2018