Pregnancy is something extraordinary, but at the same time, it is terrifying, especially if you are a new mother. Every pregnancy is different, even two pregnancies from the same mother. However, there are general aspects to all of them, and although they tell us not to worry, there are certain scary things. Bleeding is a warning sign in any pregnant mom. If you are expelling blood clots, it is best to see your doctor as soon as possible since it is not normal and can bring risks to pregnancy. However, in this FastlyHealarticle, we tell you more about blood clots in pregnancy, why they form and how they can be treated.
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Why do blood clots come out in pregnancy?
Blood clots are not common in pregnancy, so you have to worry about them. However, some mothers do. Throughout pregnancy, there can be various causes of bleeding, some more serious than others, but blood clots are different from ordinary vaginal bleeding and must be taken into account.
One of the causes that can cause blood clots is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is a disease in which a blood clot occurs in a deep vein and usually affects large veins such as those inside the thighs and legs, although it can occur in others.
Usually, when there is a wound, clots form in the blood to stop the bleeding, but these clots can block blood vessels, and thrombi form. What it does is that the blood goes from liquid to solid, and the concrete blood pool is what we call a clot.
In pregnancy, blood clots more easily during gestation and thus prepares for the time of birth, which will lead to blood loss. Also, as the baby grows inside the uterus, blood flow, especially in the legs, slows down. This is because the blood vessels are more compressed by the growth of the baby and, therefore, the uterus, which causes the blood vessels to squash.
Thrombosis is not expected during pregnancy, so don’t worry, but some factors can put you at risk for blood clots or thrombosis. These are:
- If you smoke or have been a passive smoker for long periods.
- If you are a passive woman and you spend many hours sitting.
- If you have a close relative who has suffered a DVT.
- If you have multiple pregnancies.
- Overweight.
- Very long trips.
- If you have had a hematoma in pregnancy, something more common than we think, bleeding may occur. Although not in all cases, there is bleeding with the hematoma; sometimes, it is reabsorbed.
It is best that during pregnancy, you take care of yourself and go for a walk since this way, the blood flow will remain active, and you will avoid the risk of suffering a DVT. In addition, follow the doctor’s instructions and avoid being overweight, although a few kilos are always gained during pregnancy. In the following article, you can see What to eat during pregnancy to avoid gaining weight.
What are the risks of blood clots in pregnancy?
A blood clot means that the blood flow is not going well, and therefore it will pose risks, not only for the fetus but also for the mother. Depending on where it is formed, the threat will be more or less severe, but in any of the cases, you have to go to the gynecologist as soon as possible.
- You may be expelling blood clots that form in the placenta, affecting the baby since it would not receive enough food and oxygen.
- You could miscarry and lose your baby. It is the most common cause of clots in pregnancy and should be considered if this happens.
- If you pass blood clots, they may be forming in your body, and if they are created by blocking the blood flow to the heart, it could be depleted of oxygen.
- Clots can break loose and stay in the lungs, with severe consequences.
- Preeclampsia: It is a condition in which protein is expelled in the urine and has high blood pressure. This usually happens after the 20th week of pregnancy or just after birth.
- Blood clots can cause a baby to die prematurely before birth or cause a baby to be born earlier.
- Delayed Intrauterine Growth (CIR): the fetus does not develop at an average speed, but its rate of development slows, and the baby may not grow enough or not develop its organs at all when it is born.
Symptoms that you may present
Women who pass blood clots may experience the following symptoms:
- Leg pain or even that these are swollen.
- Pain in the area of the uterus.
- Veins are more prominent than usual.
Before any symptoms of pain or discomfort that you notice in your legs or the pelvic area or if you begin to expel blood clots, it is essential to go to the gynecologist as soon as possible.
Treatment and prevention of blood clots in pregnancy
Once you go to the doctor, they will perform some tests to see if it has affected the fetus and if everything is in order. They may perform some tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or clotting tests.
The main thing will be rest. The safest thing is that the doctor will advise you to rest, which will be total or partial when evaluating the situation. In addition, they can prescribe blood thinners during pregnancy that you can continue taking after birth. Many doctors prescribe heparin to pregnant women because of the clotting that occurs in this process.
With the necessary treatment and care, you do not have to worry since the birth can continue correctly and reach the term best possible.
In addition, you can also do some things to prevent blood clots, such as walking and moving and not standing continuously unless you have been told to rest. Eat adequate food and, although some extra kilos are taken during pregnancy, avoid going overboard so as not to become overweight.
However, as we have seen, this occurs in very few cases. It has been estimated that it happens to 1 or 2 out of every 1000 pregnant women, so you have nothing to worry about if you are pregnant.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Is it normal to pass blood clots in pregnancy? We recommend that you enter our Pregnancy and baby health category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.