Thromboembolic disorders during pregnancy

[Rihanna]

In thromboembolic disorders, blood clots (thrombi) form in blood vessels. An embolus is a blood clot that travels through the bloodstream and blocks an artery. In the United States, thromboembolic disorders are a common cause of death in pregnant women.

The risk of developing a thromboembolic disorder is increased for about 6 weeks after delivery. Most complications due to blood clots result from injuries that occur during delivery. The risk is much higher after cesarean delivery than after vaginal delivery.

Blood clots usually form in the superficial veins of the legs as thrombophlebitis or in the deep veins of the legs as deep vein thrombosis. Symptoms can include leg swelling, pain, and tenderness. These symptoms may be hard to recognize because pregnancy can cause similar symptoms. The severity of the symptoms does not correlate with the severity of the disease.

Deep vein thrombosis may also develop in the pelvis. There, it may not cause symptoms. A clot can move from the deep veins of the legs or pelvis to the lungs. There, the clot may block one or more lung (pulmonary) arteries. This blockage, called pulmonary embolism, can be life threatening.