What is DVT (deep vein thrombosis)?
A venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a blood clot in a deep vein. The most common type of VTE is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which refers to blood clots in the deep veins of the leg, arm, or pelvis. When blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs, thighs, or pelvis, this can cause blood to back up, resulting in swelling and pain.
DVT can be dangerous because if the blood clot breaks off, it can travel to other parts of the body and block blood vessels there. Blood clots can travel from the legs to the lungs causing pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be fatal.
What are the risk factors for developing DVT during pregnancy?
Pregnancy itself is a risk factor for developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Pregnant women have venous thromboembolism (VTE) at a rate 4 to 50 times higher than women who are not pregnant. The risk for venous thromboembolism is higher in the postpartum period, right after a woman has given birth, is two to five times greater.
During pregnancy, factors that increase the risk of DVT and venous thromboembolism include:- Varicose veins
- Diabetes
- Multiple gestations (carrying twins or multiples)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater
- Over 35 years of age
- Hospitalization for non-delivery reasons (especially those lasting more than 3 days)
What are the risk factors for developing DVT postpartum?
In the postpartum period, particularly within the first 6 weeks after delivery, risk factors for VTE/DVT include:
- Cesarean section, particularly emergency C-sections
- Stillbirth
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Eclampsia or preeclampsia
- Postpartum infection
- Obstetric hemorrhage
- Preterm delivery at less than 36 weeks
- Other underlying medical conditions (such as cardiac disease, varicose veins, inflammatory bowel disease)
- A body mass index (BMI) of 25 or greater
- Age over 35 years
- Smoking
SLIDESHOW
A Visual Guide to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) See SlideshowWhat are the symptoms of DVT?
Common symptoms of DVT in the legs include:
What are the treatment and management guidelines for DVT during pregnancy?
Treatment and management guidelines for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during pregnancy may include:
- Anticoagulation therapy is the treatment for DVT diagnosed during pregnancy.
- Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) usually are the first-line medications.
- Anticoagulant therapy may need to be continued into the postpartum period when the risk of DVT/VTE increases.
Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) should be avoided during pregnancy because it can harm a developing fetus.
Is DVT dangerous during pregnancy? Can it be fatal?
Complications of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during pregnancy may include:
More Health News »https://www.uptodate.com/contents/deep-vein-thrombosis-and-pulmonary-embolism-in-pregnancy-treatment
Malhotra, MD, Atul and Steven E Weinberger, MD. Deep vein thrombosis in pregnancy: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and diagnosis. 7 January 2017.
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/deep-vein-thrombosis-in-pregnancy-epidemiology-pathogenesis-and-diagnosis?search=DVT%20pregnancy&source=search_result&selectedTitle=3~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=3
Pai, MD, FRCPC, Menaka and James D Douketis, MD, FRCPC, FACP, FCCP. Patient education: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (Beyond the Basics). Updated: May 02, 2018.
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt-beyond-the-basics?search=DVT&source=search_result&selectedTitle=3~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=3#H248133985
Top DVT deep vein thrombosis and Pregnancy Related Articles
Blood Clot PictureBlood that has been converted from a liquid to a solid state. See a picture of Blood Clot and learn more about the health topic.
Blood ClotsBlood clots can form in the heart, legs, arteries, veins, bladder, urinary tract, and uterus. Risk factors include high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and family history....
Crohn's DiseaseCrohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease, primarily involving the small and large intestines, but it can affect other parts of the digestive system as well. Abdominal pain, diarrhea,...
DVT QuizTake the Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Quiz to learn causes, symptoms, and treatments for these two dangerous conditions.
Healthy Eating: Foods That Help Increase Blood Flow CirculationGood blood flow circulation occurs when you eat the right foods. Choose cayenne pepper, beets, berries, fatty fish, pomegranate, garlic, walnuts, grapes, turmeric, spinach, and citrus fruit to keep...
DVT SlideshowDeep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a dangerous and sometimes fatal blood clot that occurs deep within the lower leg or thigh. Understand the symptoms, treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis...
Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2)Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin...
How Do You Know If You Have a Blood Clot in Your Leg?Blood clots are clumps of blood formed when the blood changes from a fluid to a semisolid form. When a blood clot is formed in one of the large veins in the legs or arms, the condition is called deep...
Preeclampsia and EclampsiaPreeclampsia is a condition in pregnant women marked by high blood pressure and a high level of protein in the urine. Eclampsia occurs when preeclampsia goes untreated. Eclampsia can cause coma...
Pulmonary EmbolismA pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a piece of a blood clot from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) breaks off and travels to an artery in the lung where it blocks the artery and damages the lung. The most...
Swollen Ankles and Swollen FeetSwollen ankles and swollen feet is a symptom of an underlying disease or condition such as edema, medications, pregnancy, injuries, diseases, infections, lymphedema, or blood clots.
Type 1 Diabetes QuizWhat are the causes of type 1 diabetes? Take this quiz and challenge your knowledge of causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments for this common condition, formerly known as juvenile diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes SignsLearn about type 2 diabetes warning signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Find out why thirst, headaches, and infections could be signs of diabetes. Discover the treatment options for...
Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the colon. Symptoms and signs include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Ulcerative colitis is closely related to Crohn's disease, and...
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. E. coli, a type of bacteria that lives in the bowel and near the anus, causes most UTIs. UTI...
UTI Symptoms SlideshowBladder infections can be painful and often require medical treatment. Get the latest information on urinary tract infections (UTI) . Learn how UTI's are diagnosed in infants, adults, and the elderly.
Varicose VeinsA varicose vein is a dilated (widened) tortuous (twisting) vein, usually involving a superficial vein in the leg, often associated with incompetency of the valves in the vein. These visible and...