A developing pregnancy is not immune to complications, risks, or shortcomings. However, a well-educated team of care providers is typically available for each person who needs it to ensure a healthy pregnancy. A blood clot is a significant risk and concern for some who are pregnant, but clots are manageable and treatable with proper care. Discover why blood clots are important to monitor during pregnancy and explore potential risks and reduction measures.

Pregnancy and Blood Clots: What You Need To Know

Blood clots during pregnancy occur for various reasons. As a mother’s belly expands, the womb space draws tighter, and mobility may reduce. The blood flow through the body can become slower or restricted depending on spatial capacity.

Because of these changing circumstances, a pregnant person is more likely to develop blood clots than a non-pregnant person. While not every pregnancy will result in blood clots, it’s critical to understand clotting behaviors and remain aware of the potential risks associated with them.

Other Risk Factors With Blood Clots

Aside from pregnancy and the changes that come with it, general health markers can increase the risk of blood clots. In addition to pregnancy, trying-to-conceive (TTC) risk factors can increase blood clot risks, which means an overseeing provider must change their monitoring measures to maintain adequate care.

When a person has a family history of blood clotting conditions or experiences high blood pressure, diabetes, or thrombophilia, they may be at an increased risk of blood clots. Additionally, various prescribed medications can increase the chances of clotting, including hormonal estrogen and certain birth controls.

A few other situations that can result in blood clots include:

• Dehydration
• Cesarean section (C-section)
• Reduced movement
• The period within six weeks postpartum

Complications With Antenatal Blood Clots

Blood clots are important to monitor during pregnancy because without proper treatment, a pregnant person and their fetus could be at risk of various complications. Care providers should closely monitor patients with pre-existing conditions, symptomatic responses, or mobility restrictions to ensure early detection and proper care until delivery. Below are a few complications associated with antenatal blood clots.

Placental Blood Clotting

The placenta is the primary life source connection between a pregnant person and their fetus; it supplies oxygen and nutrition to the growing fetus through the umbilical cord. If a blood clot forms within the placenta or any part pertaining to the placenta, this poses a significant risk to the fetus and may reduce or stop blood flow entirely.

Placental Insufficiency

Placental insufficiency becomes a factor when a blood clot is present and hinders the placenta’s performance. As mentioned above, the placenta’s primary function is to deliver adequate oxygen and nutrition to the fetus. But if a blood clot gets in the way or goes untreated, the fetus may not receive the necessary amounts of oxygen or nutrition, which can result in developmental differences.

Preeclampsia or Toxemia

Preeclampsia or pregnancy toxemia are relatively common, though they pose a significant risk to both a pregnant person and the growing fetus. This condition can arise after 20 weeks gestation or during postpartum; it presents high blood pressure and elevated protein in the urine.

Preeclampsia can increase a pregnant person’s risk of developing blood clots later in pregnancy, so an overseeing provider will typically begin maternal and fetal monitoring measures for early detection after diagnosing preeclampsia or toxemia.

It’s essential to note that blood clots develop on a case-by-case basis. Please partner with your care provider if you are concerned about your symptoms or toxemia diagnosis.

Preterm Delivery

Preterm delivery is classified as a delivery before 37 weeks gestation. If a pregnant person delivers prematurely, typically via emergency C-section, the risk of developing a blood clot immediately after birth increases.

Monitoring Measures

Care providers work diligently to ensure healthy pregnancies. They may increase monitoring measures in order to detect a blood clot early or diagnose a clotting condition so they can implement an appropriate treatment plan.

Ultrasound technology and MRI scans can help providers locate a clot or diagnose a condition if a pregnant person feels they need further testing or imaging. Both monitoring methods are effective and safe for pregnant persons and fetuses.

A provider may also use fetal heart rate monitoring to perform a nonstress test to check the heart and function of a fetus. This test can also detect heart rate fluctuations during fetal movements and verify that the fetus is receiving adequate oxygen.

Blood Clot Risk Reduction

It might be challenging to reduce blood clot risks based on pre-existing risk factors, family history reports, or other extenuating circumstances. But with early detection and proper comprehensive prenatal care, a pregnant person and their overseeing provider may be able to get ahead of trends and combat blood clots. There are a few primary lifestyle facets that can help.

Understand the Signs

Understanding personal risk factors based on health history can help reduce the chances of blood clotting with customized treatment and care. Additionally, understanding the physical development and signs of blood clots can help signal when to call a provider. A patient may notice swelling, tenderness, warm skin, or discoloration if a blood clot is in an affected area. It’s critical to partner with a provider immediately if these symptoms occur.

Hydration

Because dehydration can increase the risks of blood clotting, it’s vital to maintain adequate hydration levels throughout pregnancy. This can reduce the clotting risk and aid in many other pregnancy-related health concerns. Hydration is a fundamental building block for a healthy pregnancy.

Movement

Movement may be understandably limited while pregnant, depending on a provider’s care plan and a pregnant person’s needs. But stretching the extremities, avoiding long periods of stagnation, and following all travel guidelines and restrictions closely can help mitigate the risk of developing blood clots. A pregnant person can partner with their care provider to learn more about safe and effective movement practices to encourage adequate blood flow.

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