Why does the risk of blood clot increase during pregnancy? It has dangerous effects on both mother and child.

During pregnancy, many hormonal and physical changes occur in a woman’s body, which are necessary for the safety of the child. One of these changes is blood clotting more quickly than normal. This process helps in stopping excessive bleeding at the time of delivery, but sometimes it also increases the risk of blood clot formation. This risk increases especially due to slow blood flow in the legs and increasing pressure of the child on the veins.

This problem can be dangerous not only for the mother but also for the child. If a blood clot forms and reaches the lungs, it can become a fatal situation. Apart from this, due to lack of proper blood flow in the body, the supply of oxygen and nutrition to the child can also be affected. Therefore, it is very important to understand this danger during pregnancy, recognize the symptoms and take timely precautions.

Is blood clot formation a natural process?

A special change takes place in a woman’s body during pregnancy. Blood starts clotting more quickly than normal. This is a natural protection mechanism to avoid excessive bleeding during delivery. But this process can sometimes have the opposite effect. When blood starts clotting faster than necessary, the possibility of clot formation in the veins increases.

Growing baby’s pressure and decreased blood flow

As the baby grows in the womb, it puts pressure on the nerves of the abdomen and pelvis (around the waist). Due to this, the flow of blood towards the legs slows down. When blood flow slows down, it starts accumulating in one place, which increases the risk of clot formation. This is why this risk increases in the last months of pregnancy.

Is less movement also the reason?

Many women are advised to take more rest during pregnancy. In some cases, bed rest is also necessary. But sitting or lying at one place for a long time slows down the blood circulation in the body. Especially blood starts getting stagnant in the legs, due to which the possibility of clot formation increases.

What causes increased risk of blood clot?

Some women are at greater risk, especially if they already have certain risk factors, such as:

• have ever had a blood clot before
• Anyone in the family has had blood clot problems
• Any genetic (inherited) clotting disorder
• obesity or overweight
• Pregnancy above 35 years of age
• smoking habit
• Chronic diseases like heart, lungs or diabetes
• Due to all these reasons, the risk of blood clot formation can increase manifold.

What is the connection between C-section and delivery?

The method of delivery also affects this risk. Women who deliver by operation (C-section) have a higher risk of blood clot formation than those who have a normal delivery. Also, the 3 months after delivery are also very sensitive. During this time the body is in recovery and there is a possibility of blood clot formation.

blood clot science

If symptoms are identified in time, serious conditions can be avoided.

Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):

• swelling in legs or arms
• pain or strain without injury
• skin feeling red or hot
• If this clot breaks and reaches the lungs, it is called pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be fatal.

Symptoms of PE:

• difficulty breathing
• severe chest pain
• coughing up blood
• heart palpitations
• It is very important to contact a doctor immediately as soon as such symptoms appear.

easy ways to prevent

This danger cannot be completely eliminated, but it can be reduced to a great extent by adopting some precautions-

• Do not sit in one place for a long time, keep doing light activity
• Do exercise as per doctor’s advice
• drink plenty of water
• keep weight under control
• stay away from smoking
• Follow the medicines and instructions given by the doctor properly
• In some high-risk cases, doctors may also give medicines like “low-molecular weight heparin”, which keeps the blood thin and prevents clot formation.

Increased risk of blood clot formation during pregnancy can be a natural but serious condition. With correct information, identification of symptoms and timely treatment, this risk can be controlled to a great extent. For the safety of both mother and child, it is important that every woman remains aware of this and does not ignore any abnormal symptoms.