Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) During Pregnancy and Postpartum

What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein. In the context of pregnancy, approximately 90 percent of DVT incidents manifest in the left leg.

How common is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), encompassing both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, affects approximately two in every 1,000 pregnancies.

Why is deep vein thrombosis (DVT) more common in pregnancy and postpartum?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may be more prevalent during pregnancy due to nature’s adaptive mechanism to limit bleeding during childbirth, leading to an increase in the blood’s clotting ability, sometimes to an excessive extent.

Can you prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

It’s important to inform your doctor if you have a clotting disorder or a family history of blood clots. Being aware of the signs of a blood clot is crucial, as early treatment can mitigate the risks of complications such as pulmonary embolism (PE).