Pregnancy increases a women’s risk for DVT 2-5 fold over a non-pregnant women of childbearing age. This risk is even greater in the post-partum (after delivery) period. 85% of all pregnancy related symptomatic events are related to DVT, with 2/3 occurring antepartum (before delivery), half before the third trimester, with most DVT’s occurring in the left leg. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the most common cause of maternal death in developed countries. If additional risk factors are added, the risk of DVT and PE is even greater than a woman where pregnancy alone is her only risk factor.
Talk to your doctor about your risks and ways to prevent VTE during pregnancy and after delivery.
Pregnancy causes changes in the body that increase risk
Additional risk factors
Postpartum prophylaxis is recommended for women with prior VTE, family history of VTE, and thrombophlia.
IVC filters placed during pregnancy should be removed within the first month after insertion.