As we know, blood clots are quite a common thing to us. However, the case could be a little intense and serious if you are having a baby. Being pregnant is one of the most complicated processes in human nature and this process of giving birth has many things to be considered and taken care of. One such factor is blood clots during pregnancy. If you are hearing this for the first time, you need to know all about it.
Why Blood Clots?
While a blood clot is generally seen when you have a wound and the blood clots so as to prevent further loss of blood in case of a cut or scrape of the skin, sometimes they can cause complete blockage of a vein or artery leading to the complete halting of blood flow which may in turn lead to the damaging of body organs or even death in severe conditions. While most pregnant women deliver healthy babies along with their blood clotting conditions, some may have serious issues with it. Some cases can lead to the death of the baby and the mother as well. Hence, it is not an issue that can be taken lightly. If you have had issues with blood clotting with yourself or within the family, you might want to let your doctor know about it so that they keep in mind what they are dealing with and provide you with the care and attention required. Although blood clots in pregnancy are rare and there is a very little concern regarding it, it may be an additional risk for your developing baby.
Blood clots during pregnancy occur so as to limit loss of blood during labor period. However, clots forming in the legs and the pelvic region are something to be taken seriously. Also known as the deep-vein thrombosis, it affects only 2 out of 1000 women. Unless you think you are at risk, there is no need to panic regarding it.
Causes:
Generally blood clots while pregnant can be observed in the first trimester or within 6 weeks of your delivery. You can be a victim to this condition if you see yourself in any of the following:
• If you or anyone in your family has a history of deep-vein thrombosis.
• If you are a smoker or exposed to passive smoking.
• If you are over 35 years old or overweight.
• If you travel a lot while being pregnant.
• If you are expecting multiples. (Twins or Triplets)
• If you have had a C-Section.
Symptoms:
Now since blood clots are rare, you need to have a look out regarding the following:
• If your leg is swollen or you are experiencing severe pain.
• If you are walking and the pain aggravates.
• If your veins are looking enlarged.
Prevention & Treatment :
As the saying goes, ‘Prevention is better than cure’. While you might have no clue of the deep-vein thrombosis, it is better to be preventive then to be laid back about it until you start to notice it. Exercises are the main part of pregnancy and while exercises are done to improve your blood circulation, you may be capable of passing blood clots during pregnancy. Hence, regular exercise is a very important factor to combat blood clot while pregnant. Also, there is a need for you to stay active and healthy for which you need to make sure you are consuming healthy food and are living a healthy lifestyle. If you are a smoker, it is time you quit. At any point of time if you ever feel like you are doing to be prone to deep-vein thrombosis or called as DVT, you need to intimate your doctors as soon as possible for them to have you inspected and take the necessary actions leading to passing blood clots during pregnancy.
While we do not want to go this far, it is also a need to know as to what you will be treated if you are diagnosed with DVT as such. Since the blood clots, it is important to release it. Hence, you will mostly be treated with an anticoagulant which will restrain the blood from clotting very easily.
Is it a Serious Issue?
If you are wondering why something as simple as a blood clot while pregnant be such a big issue to be bothered about, you will be surprised to know the risks of blood clots in pregnancy. The DVT (deep-vein thrombosis) can cause blood clots in your placenta which is important from the pregnancy point of view. Other than that, it might as well be something that can lead you to a heart attack or even a stroke for that matter. You can also be subject to miscarriage and you may also be a victim to ‘Pulmonary Embolism’, a condition where the clots break of and are clogged in the clogged in the lungs.
It is important to know the A-Z of pregnancy. While you may prefer books or online reading material which are easily available and are also a good and reliable source these days, you may want to be a 100% sure about this A-Z stuff you read. Hence, it is very vital and important for you to consult your doctors regarding the A,B,C’s and the X,Y,Z’s of the most beautiful process and journey you are experiencing. Make it a point to not miss any of your doubts and have even the silliest of the ones sorted and clarified so as to be sure of what you are dealing with and what you need to deal with. Do not be afraid to find out the answers since it may be something that can turn into a tragedy if ignored. Also, you might want to consider the importance of the role your partner might play in this aspect. You can take his help with respect to find the clots or any other things that you have been asked to look out for. Remember, it is not just your life anymore. You have the responsibility of an unborn child growing inside you.
