Understanding Your Risk for Blood Clots with Pregnancy | Venous Thromboembolism (Blood Clots)

Overview

Pregnant? Recently had a baby? You are at increased risk for developing a blood clot (also called venous thromboembolism or VTE). But the good news is, blood clots are often preventable and treatable.

While everyone is at risk for developing a blood clot, pregnancy increases that risk fivefold.

Why are pregnant women at higher risk for blood clots?

Women are especially at risk for blood clots during pregnancy, childbirth, and the 3-month period after delivery. Here’s why:

• During pregnancy, a woman’s blood clots more easily to lessen blood loss during labor and delivery.
• Pregnant women may also experience less blood flow to the legs later in pregnancy because the blood vessels around the pelvis are pressed upon by the growing baby.

Several other factors may also increase a pregnant woman’s risk for a blood clot:

• A previous blood clot
• An inherited blood clotting disorder
• A family history of blood clots or a blood clotting disorder
• Delivery by C-section
• Prolonged immobility (not moving a lot), such as during bed rest or recovery after delivery
• Complications of pregnancy and childbirth
• Certain long-term medical conditions, such as heart or lung conditions, or diabetes
• Pregnancy at age 35 or older
• Overweight or obesity
• Smoking

Protect yourself and your baby from blood clots

Know the signs and symptoms of blood clots.

A blood clot occurring in the legs or arms is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Signs and symptoms of a DVT include:

• Swelling of the affected limb
• Pain or tenderness not caused by injury
• Skin that is warm to the touch, red, or discolored

If you have the signs or symptoms of a DVT, alert your doctor as soon as possible.

A blood clot in the legs or arms can break off and travel to the lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE) and can be life threatening. Signs and symptoms of a PE include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain that usually worsens with a deep breath or cough
• Cough or coughing up blood
• Faster than normal or irregular heartbeat

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the signs or symptoms of a possible PE.

Talk with your healthcare provider about factors that might increase your risk for a blood clot. Let your provider know if you or anyone else in your family has ever had a blood clot.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely during pregnancy and after delivery.

In general, if a pregnant woman is at high risk for a blood clot or experiences a blood clot during pregnancy or after delivery, she may be prescribed a medicine called low-molecular weight heparin. This medicine, injected under the skin, is used to prevent or treat blood clots during and after pregnancy. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider to understand the best course of management for you.

CDC’s work in blood clots and pregnancy

The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) in collaboration with CDC developed a digital public health education campaign called Stop the Clot, Spread the Word^® to help address the lack of information on blood clots.

Stop the Clot, Spread the Word^® was one of many CDC resources recognized in 2017 as an important asset in a collection of VTE educational resources published by The Joint Commission [PDF – 3.24 MB] The Commission accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 healthcare organizations in the United States.

The campaign web portal provides people with lifesaving information about blood clots, including the factors that increase the risk for blood clots, as well as their signs, symptoms, and prevention.

Campaign digital content is provided in ways that make it easy for you to share with friends and family and across your social media networks. You can access these resources either from the campaign web portal or directly through the links provided below: