Index
- What is thrombosis in pregnancy?
- Prognosis of the disease
- Symptoms of thrombosis in pregnancy
- Medical tests
- What causes thrombosis in pregnancy?
- Can it be prevented?
- Treatments for thrombosis in pregnancy
- What specialist treats it?
What is thrombosis in pregnancy?
During pregnancy women are more prone to the formation of blood clots in the veins, known as thrombosis in pregnancy.
In each trimester of pregnancy there is a risk of inflammation of the superficial veins of the lower extremities, superficial thrombophlebitis, or the appearance of clots in the deep veins, deep vein thrombosis.
Thrombosis is the formation of blood clots in the veins of the lower extremities, superficial thrombophlebitis.
blood clots in the veins.
Prognosis of the disease
If diagnosed early and treated appropriately in each case, patients can have an almost normal pregnancy.
There is no cause for alarm, but it is dangerous when clots are found in the deep veins of the legs because they can break into fragments (emboli) and reach the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
The risk of thrombosis increases during pregnancy, but also after childbirth, since the postpartum period (from the time of delivery until 35-40 days after delivery) is the phase of maximum risk.
Symptoms of thrombosis in pregnancy
Some warning signs that we can detect are:
- Excessive swelling in the legs.
- Reddening of the legs.
- Pain in the muscles and extremities.
- Chest pain.
- Difficulty breathing.
Medical tests for thrombosis in pregnancy
To diagnose venous thrombosis, a Doppler ultrasound, a study that uses ultrasound in the legs, as well as studies of the pulmonary circulation such as lung scintigraphy, are usually performed.
What are the causes of thrombosis in pregnancy?
Placental hormones influence a series of changes in the blood that make it more prone to venous thrombosis. On the other hand, the enlarged uterus compresses the veins of the pelvis reducing venous circulation in the lower extremities.
Can it be prevented?
One of the risk factors for thrombosis is physical inactivity. For this reason, it is important not to sit for many hours at a time and to avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
Other recommendations are:
- Change position, especially on long journeys.
- Take frequent walks.
- Perform physical exercises recommended by the specialist according to the stage of gestation.
- Avoid crossing your legs.
- Elevate your feet with a pillow in bed.
- Reduce salt in meals.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing.
Treatments for thrombosis in pregnancy
In the case of deep vein thrombosis during pregnancy, an anticoagulant such as low molecular weight heparin is prescribed, which does not cause maternal osteoporosis, nor is it likely to cause thrombocytopenia if not taken for a prolonged period of time.
Which specialist treats it?
The specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery treats thrombosis in pregnancy.