Normally, blood clotting disorder during pregnancy is related to a condition where the body unusually tends to form abnormal blood clots, and these clots lead to acute complications for both the mother and the fetus. The aftereffects of this clotting will also result in miscarriage, stillbirth, preeclampsia and deep vein thrombosis. Therefore, it is important that blood clotting during pregnancy needs to be monitored regularly to avert life-threatening situations and proactively safeguard the health of both the mother and the baby.
Physiologically, blood clotting is a natural process that helps stop bleeding when an injury occurs. However, when blood clotting forms unusually or too quickly, it can cause worry, as this abnormal clotting can block blood vessels and affect normal blood flow. Hormonal fluctuations and increased blood volume can sometimes trigger these clotting disorders during pregnancy. Continue reading to learn about different types of blood clotting disorder and their treatment.
A pregnant woman is at a higher risk of blood clotting disorders. Women with a family history of this condition are at a greater risk of pregnancy complications as they may have women in their family with a history of pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, blood clots in the lungs or legs, placental abruption or a baby with low birth weight.
Blood clotting disorder affects pregnant women, especially when there are symptoms of swelling in one of the legs and particularly around the thigh or calf region, leading to pain when standing or walking. Sometimes, the skin over the clot can appear reddish or blue, and warmth is felt when touched. The affected leg will also feel heavy or fatigued. Symptoms such as exhaustion, chest discomfort, and an unsteady and pounding heartbeat are also felt. In very rare cases, the clot can travel up to the brain, resulting in stroke-like symptoms such as sudden numbness, confusion, double vision, severe headache, and difficulty while walking. In some severe cases, symptoms like heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe back pain, reduced or no movement of the baby in the fetus, and frequent contractions, especially before 37 weeks of pregnancy - all these can be attributed to placental clots.
The increased clotting tendency during pregnancy is a natural physiological adaptation that helps prevent excessive bleeding during childbirth. Women are more prone to blood clots during pregnancy primarily due to:
● Hormonal changes that increase clotting factors
● The growing uterus puts pressure on blood vessels
● Increased blood volume
● Decreased mobility
● Changes in blood composition
Blood clots block blood vessels and arteries, reducing or stopping blood flow to important organs. For pregnant women, this includes the placenta. When this happens, the baby is deprived of the oxygen and nutrients it needs for healthy growth and development. The other factors that increase the risk of pregnancy blood clot disorders are:
● A previous instance of a blood clot
● A family history of blood clotting disorder
● Inherited blood clotting disorders
● Advanced maternal age (above the age of 35)
● Carrying multiples like twins or more
● Complications of childbirth
● Presence of varicose veins
● Smoking
● Long-term medical issues like diabetes, lung or heart conditions
● Prolonged bed rest, obesity and conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure each independently increase the risk of pregnancy complications, including blood clots
● When multiple risk factors are present, the risk may be further elevated
● Certain types of birth control pills
In some individuals, hormonal changes, a previous C-section, smoking, dehydration, and long-distance seated travel without breaks can further aggravate the risk during pregnancy. All these can add to the complications that will require careful monitoring during the pregnancy.
Certain things make you more prone to blood clots and are called risk factors. However, having risk factors does not mean you will surely have them. But it may put you at an increased risk. That is the reason pregnant women must have regular prenatal checkups with the doctor to get their health monitored carefully.
Pregnancy increases the chances of:
● VTE (venous thromboembolism) is a blood clot that can form anywhere in the vein and block blood flow.
● When it occurs in the deep veins of the arms, calves, pelvis or thighs, it is called a DVT (deep venous thrombosis).
● When a clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it causes PE (pulmonary embolism), which is life-threatening.
● The first few weeks after delivery is also a risky time as you can develop thrombophilia (abnormal clotting). This is an inherited condition and increases the risk of VTE. Inherited clotting disorders like thrombophilia and pregnancy are risky, as they may have a miscarriage or preeclampsia.
Thrombophilia is a hereditary condition with several variations. Some common types are:
● Factor V Leiden mutation
● Prothrombin G20210A mutation
● A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that moves from where it started to another part
● Antithrombin deficiency which greatly increases the risk of blood clots
● MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677) mutation
● Protein S and C deficiency
Many women do not know they have an inherited clotting disorder until after a few weeks of pregnancy, when they start to see the symptoms. It may also be possible that nobody in the family knows about this condition running in the family. Managing thrombosis in pregnancy becomes critical in such women to prevent complications.
Blood clots are dangerous for both mother and baby. Your doctor may prescribe blood thinners until 8 weeks after delivery. Certain anticoagulants are safe for the growing fetus and are prescribed for expectant mothers. Regular blood tests and checkups are also recommended to ensure the clots are dissolved and no further slots appear. Many drugs and treatment plans are available. If your condition warrants it, you may also be referred to a haematologist or maternal-fetal specialist to work out the best plan for you.
● Move around often and change your body position
● Maintain a healthy weight
● Quit smoking
● Drink plenty of fluids
● Consult your doctor immediately if you see any swelling in the legs, pain, redness or tenderness.
While blood clots are not common during pregnancy, they can cause serious conditions if they move to the lungs. Understand the risk factors and symptoms, and let your healthcare provider know if there is a family history. If you have blood clots during pregnancy, there is nothing to panic about, as early treatment and management can keep you and the baby safe.
Blood clotting disorders increase the risk of blood clots in blood vessels or the placenta, which restricts blood flow to the baby, causing complications like restricted fetal growth, miscarriage and premature or stillbirth.
Swelling in the legs, pain or tenderness, sweating, and breathing difficulties are some symptoms of blood clotting disorders during pregnancy.
Yes. There are some risks associated with anticoagulant therapy during pregnancy.
It can lead to problems such as poor blood supply to the fetus, suppressed fetal growth, preterm birth, low birth weight or stillbirth.
