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DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) in Pregnancy
Along with many physiological changes in the body during pregnancy, an increase in the susceptibility to Deep Vein Thrombosis(DVT) is also found in many women. Veins are tubes that transport blood in the body, and blockage in these veins is termed as venous thrombosis. During pregnancy, a woman has a six times higher chance of developing such a clot in the vein, compared to a non-pregnant woman. Learn about the various aspects of DVT, its causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
In deep vein thrombosis, clotting of blood occurs in the veins found in the leg and pelvic region. Clotting of blood is a normal physiological process in the body and occurs when there are any cuts or openings in the blood vessel. In the case of DVT, this occurs inside the vein, constricting the flow of blood resulting in serious implications, if left unidentified. Thrombosis in pregnancy is caused by an increase in the blood clotting capacity of the body during pregnancy, as a means of preventing excessive blood loss during delivery. This can sometimes result in a blood clot in the leg during pregnancy.
How Common is DVT During Pregnancy?
DVT during pregnancy is not very common and occurs in only one in thousand pregnant women. The risk of developing DVT is six times more in a pregnant woman, with an increased chance of occurrence in the first trimester of pregnancy and six weeks post-partum.
Why is It More Common When Pregnant?
The body experiences numerous physiological changes during pregnancy. These changes are mostly driven by variations in the hormonal levels. One reason is one of the safety precautions that a woman's body takes during pregnancy, which is an increase in the clotting proteins and a decrease in the anti-clotting proteins, to minimize blood loss during delivery. Another factor that can contribute to this condition is pressure exerted by the enlarged uterus on the veins which carry blood to the heart from the lower body.
Causes of DVT
DVT during pregnancy is primarily caused by the hormonal changes the body undergoes during this period.
1. Oestrogen
During pregnancy, the circulating levels of oestrogen hormone are high in the blood, which in turn increases the chances of a blood clot.
2. Uterine Growth
The expansion of uterus that occurs with the development of the foetus, puts a lot of strain on the veins carrying blood back from the lower body to the heart. This also results in clotting of blood inside the veins returning from the extremities.
3. Increase in Body Weight
Excessive weight gain puts a lot of pressure on the veins of the legs and pelvis, leading to increasing the chances of having a DVT.
4. Multiple Pregnancy
Mothers carrying more than one foetus in their womb have a higher risk of developing DVT.
5. Age and Genetics
Women who have a family history of DVT or are expecting a baby at 35 years of age or more are at risk of experiencing venous thrombosis during pregnancy.
DVT Sign and Symptoms
Women who develop DVT during their pregnancy have one or more of the following symptoms:
Pain in one leg accompanied by swelling
Visibly enlarged veins
Pain while walking
The feeling of tenderness in the thighs and calf muscle
Diagnosis
Based on the symptoms and previous family history of DVT, the medical practitioner usually performs a Doppler ultrasound examination to check for any venous blocks. The Doppler ultrasound estimates the speed of blood flow in the veins and flags the areas that have reduced flow. The diagnosis of DVT can be very tricky, and in some cases, the doctor may prescribe a D-dimer test. This test works by identifying the presence of any blood clots in the blood vessels.
To quantify and characterize the block, doctors also carry out a venogram, in which a dye is injected into the veins to help in clearly visualizing the blockages.
Who is Most At the Risk of Getting DVT?
Pregnant women who have one of the following risk factors have an increased susceptibility to developing DVT.
A family history of DVT
Previous history of DVT
Age above 35 years
Obesity or weight gain
Women who travel long distances during pregnancy
Smoking
Inactive lifestyle
Multiple pregnancies
C-section delivery
Clotting or inflammation due to infection in pregnancy
Treatment of DVT in Pregnancy
Once a diagnosis of DVT during pregnancy is made, the doctor usually prescribes medications to thin the blood. This medication is continued after delivery up to at least six weeks post-partum, as there are chances of block formation even after the birth of the baby.
Does Deep Vein Thrombosis Affect the Baby?
Typically, DVT causes discomfort to the mother but does not affect the baby's growth and development. Rare situations where the block moves up till the lungs, affecting its function, it can hamper the oxygen supply to the foetus. Also, during delivery, when the mother loses excessive blood because of the blood thinners, it can affect the baby.
Management
Management of DVT during pregnancy is possible with heparin injections. Heparin is an anticoagulant that inhibits the clotting of blood. Apart from the medication, some lifestyle changes like adopting an active routine, reducing body weight and quitting smoking can also largely prevent the further clotting of blood.
A special kind of compression stockings can be worn to improve the blood circulation in the leg. Apart from that, drinking lot of water and exercising also helps in managing DVT.
How to Reduce the Risk of DVT While Travelling?
The chances of the symptoms of DVT flaring up is high during travel. To reduce the risk while travelling, take precautions like increasing your water intake, ensuring constant movement of the lower body either in the sitting position itself or by walking within the vehicle, and completely avoiding the intake of alcohol.
Can Deep Vein Thrombosis Affect Labour?
If you have been identified to have a tendency to develop DVT, then the doctor would advise you to take some precautions before the delivery. To reduce the risk of developing thrombosis during labour, you can wear the compression stockings while constantly moving around and drink lots of fluids before going to deliver the baby.
If you have already been diagnosed and are on heparin medications, the doctor may ask you to discontinue it as it can interfere with the clotting of blood after delivery.
Can Caesarean Delivery Increase Risk of Getting Blood Clots?
Yes, a C-Section delivery is shown to increase the risk of post-partum blood clots, as compared to a vaginal birth. This is because the body takes necessary precautions and mobilizes its healing mechanisms for an invasive procedure, one of which is an increase in the propensity of the blood to clot.
Prevention
Some of the ways by which you can prevent the occurrence of DVT during pregnancy are,
1. Drinking Lots of Water
Fluid intake is very important in the prevention of DVT as dilutes the blood and prevents it from becoming very thick. This has to be followed throughout pregnancy and even after the delivery to prevent the formation of blood clots.
2. Exercising
If you are at the risk of developing thrombosis during pregnancy, then practising light and safe exercises regularly can immensely help in improving the blood circulation to the body. Exercises that particularly benefit the circulation of the lower body can be helpful in preventing DVT.
3. Move on the Go
If you are having DVT and have to travel long distances on a regular basis, then try to move around inside the bus, flight or train every few minutes to break the resting period. This keeps the circulation alive. If getting up and moving around is not a possibility, then try to do simple twisting and moving exercises in sitting position itself.
4. Wear Stockings
Compression stockings that activate the blood circulation in the leg can be worn during pregnancy and even during labour to avoid clot formation.
DVT is a common condition in pregnancy that many women lack awareness about. It is easily treatable with medications and identifying it at the right time is the key to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Also Read: High & Low Haemoglobin Levels in Pregnancy Read more
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In Pregnancy Whenever Your Mood Swings Try Some Creative Things
Pregnancy is that time when God has selected 'you' (among all) as one of his special creature through whom a new life can come into this world. That new life completes you as a woman too. Happiness cannot be expressed in words, what a 'mother to be feel' when she comes to know about this, she is going to become a mother. Next 9 months have changed the entire scenario. Though these 9 months journey is full of ups and down and a mother as well as a new life which is inside mother go through phenomenal changes with innumerable wants in this phase. Mood swings is one of the common factor at this time especially for particular food, taste or particular emotion. According to me a mother should do innovative things like talk to your baby (inside you), talk to plants, spend some time with nature, cook something, watch your favorite movie or serial (positive one), do make-up for no reason, show your artistic side by drawing or sketching as we all know Colors are full of positivity and our best friends too, sing something or chant something (any mantra or bhajan) and most important spend some time in doing religious activities too. By spending time in these such activities mother as well as baby both will be benefitted.God is the ultimate power and he will make easy paths for you and for a baby.The main points to following this pregnancy phase mood swings are Stay away from negativity, Avoid listening to bad things no matters where that happening, Don't get depress in any situation as you are carrying a new life inside you and think for a while that life is completely dependent on you, whatever you tell, show or eat. So it is your foremost responsibility that prove yourself in front of God that he has chosen right person to bring new life in this world. Let the new life inside you enjoys too with you. Be positive and Be happy. Enjoy your pregnancyhood. Goodluck to all mothers and Stay blessed always. Read more
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Mom of a 1 yr 9 m old child
3 hours ago
Q. hi mam , my baby 1 year and 9 month old just now onwards stop breast feeding .pls suggest formula milk to my baby
Dr Ghouse
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3 hours ago
A. your baby is more than 1 year 9 months of age any milk including buffalo milk cows milk ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
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3 hours ago
Q. #AskTheExpert hello dr.
baby planning kar rhi kuch tips btayiye conceive ho jaye
Dr Ghouse
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3 hours ago
A. it's a natural process ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
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Q. when baby is kick? I'm 13 weeks pregnant
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
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A. during first pregnancy you may feel the baby movements after 24 to 25 weeks of pregnancy and till then only mild flatters may be felt but which you may not be feeling if you are doing some work
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Expecting Mom due in 2 months
1 hour ago
Q. I’m in my 31 week 1 day of pregnancy. What will be my delivery date??
As I have low lying placenta with grade 1 maturity.
Dr Ghouse
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A. you had to correlate is ultrasound examination. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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Q. My hemoglobin is 6.4 from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Now I’m 31 weeks pregnant. What should I do?
Rashmi
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A. Haven’t when you having some kind of iron supplement because they’re very good during the time of pregnancy if you are not having one you need to start with and whatever tabs you take you should just take it with any good juice specially pomegranate juice that’s going to help in doubling the impact of the medicine that you’re taking secondly try and include more of Iron which diet like spinach broccoli beetroot pomegranate black rice sweet potato these things are exceptionally healthy for you to consume
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A. No there is nothing visible on my wall so I can really really cannot help you can you please repose the question once again providing all the necessary details as once I’m certain what are you talking about what’s mentioned in the report according to that I can provide you proper help on your question
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