Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in pregnancy: Frequently asked questions
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in pregnancy: Frequently asked questions
How is the diagnosis made?
At your initial appointment with the midwife, periodically through the pregnancy and after your baby is born you will be risk assessed for your personal chance of developing a venous thromboembolism (DVT). All women will be recommended to keep hydrated and mobile during pregnancy, labour and birth. Those in groups with a medium to high chance of developing a DVT may have additional care recommended to them.Interventions during labour and birth, such as assisted vaginal birth or caesarean birth increase your chances of developing DVT.
What does this mean?
For Me
Women who have a higher chance of developing DVT during pregnancy may be recommended to take a medication during pregnancy and the postnatal period to reduce this chance. The medication is a daily injection of a blood thinning medication (low molecular weight heparin) which you will be taught how to administer to yourself. Your partner or family member can be taught how to give the injection to you if you prefer.In addition you may be given compression stockings, to wear when you are admitted to hospital.
For my baby
The low molecular weight heparin injections do not cross the placenta and your baby will not be affected by their use.
What symptoms and signs should I be looking out for?
If you develop any swelling or pain in your legs or chest pain or difficulty in breathing you should attend the maternity unit for review as soon as possible.
How may this impact my birth choices?
If you are taking a preventative dose of low molecular weight heparin during pregnancy, there needs to be a 12 hour window between your last injection and the siting of an epidural (pain relief). So if your labour is starting or your waters have broken and a dose of the medication is due, please speak to your midwife or obstetrician first.
How may this affect care after the birth?
Women who are at a higher chance of developing a DVT might be recommended to have low molecular weight injections for ten days or six weeks after their baby is born.
What will this mean for future pregnancies? How can I reduce my risk of this happening again?
Depending on the reasons you have an increased chance of DVT, these reasons are likely to occur in any future pregnancy.
Where can I find out more information about this condition?
