Thrombosis in pregnancy: symptoms, treatment and how to avoid it

Thrombosis during pregnancy is a change in circulation that occurs due to hormonal changes during this period and compression of the uterus in the pelvic region, which makes blood circulation in the legs difficult, facilitating the formation of clots and, consequently, thrombosis.

Due to the obstruction of the vein or artery by the clot and, consequently, changes in blood flow, symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness in the legs, swelling and local redness, pain in the anal region and loss of strength on one side of the body can be noticed, for example.

Symptoms of thrombosis in pregnancy may vary according to the type of thrombosis, and it is important that the obstetrician is consulted as soon as the first symptoms suggestive of thrombosis appear so that treatment can be started immediately and prevent complications for the woman and the baby. baby.

Symptoms of thrombosis in pregnancy

The main symptoms of thrombosis in pregnancy are:

• Feeling of heaviness in the legs;
• Painful and swollen legs;
• Dilated and visible veins;
• Pain in the anal region and bleeding;
• Loss of strength on one side of the body;
• Difficulty speaking.

Symptoms may vary according to the type of thrombosis, however, in all cases it is essential that the woman is evaluated by a doctor so that the most appropriate treatment can be initiated, preventing complications.

Make an appointment with your nearest doctor to assess your risk of gestational thrombosis:

Risk of thrombosis in pregnancy

The risk of thrombosis is greater during pregnancy due to changes that normally occur in a woman’s body and which increase the blood’s ability to clot. This risk tends to be similar during all 3 trimesters of pregnancy and can remain elevated for up to 3 months after birth.

However, in case of a previous history of thrombosis, age over 35 years, first pregnancy, obesity and diseases such as antiphospholipid antibody syndrome or thrombophilia, the risk of thrombosis also tends to be higher. Understand better what thrombophilias are in pregnancy and the risks.

What to do if you suspect thrombosis

In the presence of any symptom that could be indicative of thrombosis during pregnancy, the woman should immediately call 192 or go to the emergency room, as thrombosis is a serious disease, which can cause pulmonary embolism in the mother if the clot dislodges. to the lungs, generating symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing up blood or chest pain.

When thrombosis appears in the placenta or umbilical cord, there are generally no symptoms, but the decrease in the baby’s movements may indicate that something is wrong with blood circulation, and it is also important to seek medical attention in this situation.

Main types of thrombosis in pregnancy

The most common types of thrombosis in pregnancy include:

• Deep vein thrombosis: it is the most common type of thrombosis, and most frequently affects the legs, although it can appear in any region of the body;
• hemorrhoidal thrombosis: it can appear when a pregnant woman has hemorrhoids and is more common when the baby has a very high weight or during childbirth;
• Thrombosis in the placenta: caused by a clot in the veins of the placenta, which can cause miscarriage in the most serious cases;
• Umbilical cord thrombosis: despite being a very rare situation, this type of thrombosis occurs in the vessels of the umbilical cord, preventing the flow of blood to the baby and also causing a reduction in the baby’s movements;
• Trombose cerebral: caused by a clot that reaches the brain, causing stroke symptoms, such as lack of strength on one side of the body, difficulty speaking and a crooked mouth, for example.

Thrombosis during pregnancy, although rare, is more common in pregnant women over the age of 35, who have already had an episode of thrombosis in a previous pregnancy, are pregnant with twins or are overweight. This condition is dangerous, and when identified, it must be treated by the obstetrician with injections of anticoagulants, such as heparin, during pregnancy and 6 weeks after birth.

How the treatment is carried out

Thrombosis during pregnancy is curable, and treatment must be indicated by the obstetrician and normally includes the use of heparin injections, which help to dissolve the clot, reducing the risk of new clots forming.

In most cases, treatment for thrombosis in pregnancy must be continued until the end of pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth, as during the birth of the baby, whether by natural birth or cesarean section, women’s abdominal and pelvic veins suffer. injuries that can increase the risk of clot formation.

How to avoid thrombosis during pregnancy

Some precautions to avoid thrombosis during pregnancy are:

• Use compression stockings from the beginning of pregnancy to facilitate blood circulation;
• Do regular light physical exercise, such as walking or swimming, to improve blood circulation;
• Avoid lying down for more than 8 hours or sitting for more than 1 hour;
• Do not cross your legs, as this hinders blood circulation in your legs;
• Have a healthy diet, low in fat and rich in fiber and water;
• Avoid smoking or being around people who smoke, as cigarette smoke can increase the risk of thrombosis.

These precautions should be taken mainly by pregnant women who had thrombosis in a previous pregnancy. Furthermore, the pregnant woman must inform the obstetrician that she has already had thrombosis, to start treatment with heparin injections, if necessary, in order to prevent the emergence of a new thrombosis.