Attention to Vascular Occlusion During Pregnancy!

Physiologically, blood flow rate slows down in pregnant and postpartum women and coagulation factors increase to minimize blood loss during delivery. Therefore, the risk of vascular occlusion is 4-5 times higher in pregnant women compared to women of the same age. However, this risk increases in pregnant women who have previous vascular occlusion, a family history of vascular occlusion, a hereditary blood coagulation disorder, obesity, inactivity, advanced age, smoking and a concomitant chronic disease.

Liv Hospital Hematology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Rafet Eren answered questions about vascular occlusion, which should be considered especially during pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of Groom congestion during pregnancy?

Vascular occlusion during pregnancy can only be in the veins of the legs, but the clots that break off from here can also progress to the pulmonary veins. Generally, the most common complaints are pain, swelling and temperature increase in the leg. If the clot progresses to the lung, shortness of breath and palpitations may also be seen.

How is the diagnosis made?

First of all, blood tests such as d-dimer and blood gas are performed in pregnant women with suspected vascular occlusion. In addition, imaging methods such as Doppler ultrasound and echo can be used. If the risk is high for the patient, imaging methods containing radiation such as tomography can also be used by discussing the risks with the patient.

How to prevent atherosclerosis during pregnancy?

When pregnancy and puerperium are high-risk periods for vascular occlusion, all patients should be followed closely and preventive anticoagulant therapy should be initiated for those with accompanying risk factors. The dose and duration of preventive treatment vary according to the accompanying risk factors.

Which blood thinners can be used in pregnant women?

In pregnancy, instead of tablet blood thinners, blood thinners in the form of injections that are not harmful to the mother and the baby and can be administered by the patient are preferred.