Thrombosis during pregnancy: what are the risks?

{Update of June 28, 2022). The majority of pregnant women complain of legs during pregnancy and 3 out of 4 are affected by the feeling of heavy legs, the presence of edema or varicose veins. These pregnancy ailments apparently harmless can be the consequence of a venous insufficiencythat should not be overlooked. In addition, you should know that Pregnancy is associated with a risk of deep venous thrombosis (also called phlebitis). For nine months, hormones indeed lead to faster blood clotting, which can form clots in the veins at the legs. According to a study by the invs dating from 2016, 1,570 women (among the 800,000 having given birth in 2013) developed a venous thromboembolic disease.

Pregnant phlebitis: What are the signs?

The problem is that symptoms (leg pain, warmth and swelling) can be confused with other pregnancy -related disorders and sometimes even go unnoticed (in two in three cases).

Thrombosis and pregnancy: what are the risks?

LOrsque the clot stands off, it can cause a pulmonary embolismHead of death. Besides, “The pulmonary embolism linked to thrombosis venous is the second cause of maternal mortality, after hemorrhage“, Specifies Doctor Nicolas Castaing, obstetrician gynecologist at the Saint-Cloud hospital. According to the invs, This risk is present from the start of pregnancy. He culminates a week after childbirth and remains present up to 12 weeks after the child’s birth. But despite the consequences known in future and young mothers, the risk of thrombosis has continued to increase in France and particularly for the past five years. About 1.8 out of 1,000 pregnant women were affected by deep venous thrombosis and 30 women died between 2007 and 2009 according to the invs.

What are the risk factors?

There are several Thrombose risk factors. The most subject women are those who already have a Antecedent of phlebitisbut also future mothers over 35, overweight or obese, having used medically assisted procreation or those who give birth by cesarean (mainly emergency Caesareans). “”Multiple pregnancies also represent a major risk Because the venous compression is higher “explains Dr. Nicolas Castaing. Tobacco consumption or immobility during pregnancy are also part of risk factors.

Thrombosis and pregnancy: what recommendations?

As soon as the future mother presents one or more risk factors, The wearing of medical compression is recommended throughout pregnancy and until after childbirth. “”When a cesarean is scheduled for example, I ask my patients to use compression stockings For one to two weeks and come with D -Day“, says the gynecologist-obstetrician, in fact, the action of medical compression on the leg allows to Stimulate venous return and prevent the stagnation of blood in the veins. Recall that the High Authority for Health (HAS) has authorized the reimbursement of medical compression for all women with a risk of thrombosis. To prevent venous risks, it is also recommended to:

• Practice moderate physical activity in order to better circulate blood and maintain leg tone. “”Some future mothers tend to take the car so as not to get too tired … However, you have to move, walk, take the stairs.“Recommend Dr. Nicolas Castaing. Also avoid staying too long standing or motionless.
• Hydrate well,
• Wear comfortable shoes, without heel,
• Carry compression stockings during pregnancy, and childbirth as well as after the birth of the baby
• Finish your bath or shower with a jet of cold water on the legs (and avoid hot baths),
• raise your legs in the elongated position,
• Massage your legs with soft almond oil to tone them and keep skin soft.