Blood Clotting & Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, or you have just had a baby, you are at greater risk of developing a blood clot.

Blood clots can happen in the deep veins of the legs or in the pelvic area. This condition is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Blood clots can also happen in the lungs, and this is called pulmonary embolism (PE). PE can happen either on its own or when a DVT breaks off and travels to the blood vessels of the lungs.

DVT and PE, together known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), are preventable in many situations (see prevention tips below). The U.S. Surgeon General has issued a Call to Action on DVT and PE to raise public awareness of these blood conditions and increase research on the causes, prevention, and treatment.

Am I at Risk?

The risk of developing a blood clot during pregnancy is increased by the following:

• Previous blood clots
• A genetic condition associated with increased risk of blood clots
• Obesity
• Prolonged immobility (e.g., bedrest, long distance travel)
• Multiple births
• Increased maternal age
• Other medical illness (e.g., cancer, infection)

How are Blood Clots in Pregnant Women Treated?

Typically, blood clots are treated with an anticoagulant, a blood-thinning medicine that prevents the blood from clotting. Certain anticoagulants like heparin and lovenox (enoxaparin) are safe to use during pregnancy, while some like coumadin (warfarin) are not. The direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), and dabigatran (Pradaxa) are also not recommended for use in pregnancy. Heparin, enoxaparin, and warfarin are all safe to use during breastfeeding, but the DOACs are not recommended during breastfeeding.