Thrombosis is the formation of a clot within a blood vessel, which can cause complications if that clot blocks blood flow and, therefore, is not allowed to come to various tissues of the body. During the gestation period, the risk of thrombosis is significantly higher due to an increase in the pressure and capacitance of the veins of the lower extremities, which leads to venous stasis or decreased blood flow in this area.
In this FastlyHealarticle, we will talk to you in detail about thrombosis in pregnancy so that you know the causes and treatment of this alteration.
Table of Contents
Causes and diagnosis
The causes of thrombosis in pregnancy are directly related to the changes that occur during this gestational period in women, especially in coagulation factors and the fibrinolytic system that are so important in preventing the formation of thrombi.
It should be noted that pregnancy is characterized by its prothrombotic state, which means that the different coagulation mechanisms are altered, increasing it and reaching a point of hypercoagulation, whose objective is to prevent possible bleeding during the stages of pregnancy or Birth. In conclusion, the body adapts to this new state, but this hypercoagulation predisposes the mother to have a greater risk of thrombosis during pregnancy.
The diagnosis to determine if a patient has this condition is based on the results obtained in:
- The Doppler ultrasound, a variety of traditional ultrasounds employing sound waves to produce images capable of displaying the blood flow velocity through the blood vessels of the different lower limbs.
- D-dimer is a test that reveals whether you have a clot in a deep vein.
- Phlebography, if we still do not have a precise diagnosis, this technique consisting of injecting a contrast medium into a vein of the affected leg is performed. An X-ray will show the speed of blood circulation thanks to the contrast medium, and if it progresses very slowly, it may indicate the presence of a clot and, therefore, thrombosis in pregnancy.
- Do not take sedatives, as they reduce your activity inside the plane and do not allow blood to circulate properly.
Risk factor’s
Different factors can increase the chance that you will have thrombosis during pregnancy:
- Multiple pregnancies.
- Hormonal changes.
- Physical inactivity.
- Varicose veins in the lower extremities.
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Diabetes.
- Urinary tract infections.
- A body mass index greater than 30 kg / m2 is obesity.
- The mother’s age is over 35 years.
Treatment
Medical treatment during pregnancy is very delicate since drugs can cross the placental barrier and cause damage or abnormalities in the fetus. Therefore, the anticoagulant of choice used in case of thrombosis in pregnancy is low molecular weight heparin, which, due to its small size, cannot cross the placental barrier.
In addition, if the patient has a history of thrombi in previous pregnancies, preventive medication should be started and the venous system evaluated by Doppler ultrasound to treat possible thrombus formation.
Prevent thrombosis during pregnancy
If you want to prevent thrombosis during pregnancy, there are certain activities you can do:
- Walk frequently, at least for half an hour a day.
- Elevate the lower extremities, especially if you are sitting for a long time or in case of prolonged rest.
- Contact your specialist to assess your condition in the case of prolonged immobilization or long plane trips that you have previously planned.
Suppose you have any risk factors or feel that your lower extremities are more swollen or red than usual. In that case, you should consult this alteration with your gynecologist to do the necessary tests and, in this way, rule out problems in blood clotting and treat them if it is considered convenient so that they do not lead to the formation of thrombi or clots.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Thrombosis in pregnancy: causes and treatment, 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.