Hey there, mama-to-be! Are you worried about blood clots during pregnancy?
Here’s the quick answer: Pregnancy does raise your chances of getting a blood clot, but most women don’t have any trouble if they know what to watch for and take care of themselves.
I’m an obstetrician at Mamata Fertility Hospital in Secunderabad, and I’ve seen how scary this topic can feel—especially if you’re already juggling a million questions about your baby and your health.
You’re not alone in this!
In this article, I’ll explain what blood clots are, why pregnancy makes them more likely, and how you can figure out your own risk. We’ll walk through real stories from my patients, clear up confusion, and give you easy steps to stay safe.
My goal?
To help you feel calm, informed, and ready to enjoy this special time.
Let’s dive in together!
What Are Blood Clots, and Why Should You Care?
Imagine your blood as a river flowing through your body—it’s supposed to keep moving to bring oxygen and nutrients everywhere.
A blood clot is like a little dam that forms in that river, slowing or stopping the flow. Normally, your body makes clots to stop bleeding—like when you cut your finger.
But during pregnancy, clots can sometimes form when they’re not needed, and that’s when we need to pay attention.
If a clot gets stuck in the wrong place—like your legs or lungs—it can cause problems. It’s rare, but it’s serious, so understanding your risk is a smart move for you and your baby.
Why Does Pregnancy Increase Blood Clot Risk?
Pregnancy changes your body in amazing ways to grow your little one, but those changes can also make clots more likely. Here’s why:
- Blood Gets Stickier: Your body makes your blood thicker during pregnancy to protect you from bleeding too much when the baby comes. It’s like adding glue to the river—it flows slower and sticks together more.
- Slower Flow: As your baby grows, your womb presses on the blood vessels in your belly, slowing things down. It’s like a kink in a garden hose—stuff can build up.
- Resting More: Later in pregnancy, you might sit or lie down a lot, which keeps blood from moving as fast as usual.
These changes are normal and usually fine, but they do bump up your clot risk a little—about 5 to 10 times higher than when you’re not pregnant. Don’t panic, though—it’s still pretty rare, happening to about 1 or 2 out of every 1,000 pregnant women.
Who’s More Likely to Get Blood Clots?
Not every mom-to-be has the same risk. Some things make clots more likely for you than for others. Let’s go through them:
- Your Age: Over 35? Your risk ticks up a bit because your blood vessels aren’t as springy as they used to be.
- Weight: Carrying extra pounds can slow blood flow and add pressure—like overloading a backpack.
- Family History: If your mom, dad, or siblings had clots, you might have inherited a tendency for it.
- Health Conditions: Things like diabetes, high blood pressure, or past clots raise the odds.
- Sitting a Lot: Long flights, bed rest, or a desk job can let blood pool in your legs.
- Twins or More: Carrying more than one baby puts extra strain on your system.
A 36-year-old expectant mother came to me at Mamata Fertility Hospital. She was 7 months pregnant with twins and worried because her mom had a clot years ago. She’d been sitting a lot at work too. We checked her legs—no clots yet—but her risk was higher. I gave her some gentle exercises, and she’s doing great now. Knowing her risks helped us stay ahead.
What Do Blood Clots Feel Like?
Okay, so how do you know if a clot’s happening? Here’s what to watch for:
- Leg Trouble: One leg might swell, turn red, or feel warm and painful—like it’s mad at you.
- Breathing Issues: If a clot moves to your lungs, you might feel short of breath, chest pain, or a fast heartbeat.
- Nothing at All: Sometimes clots are sneaky and don’t show signs right away—that’s why we keep an eye out.
Case Discussed: A 29-year-old, Priya, called us in a panic at 8 months pregnant. Her left leg was swollen and hurt to touch. We brought her in fast—sure enough, a small clot in her leg. We started her on safe medicine, and she delivered a healthy boy a few weeks later. Spotting it early made all the difference.
How Can Blood Clots Affect Your Pregnancy?
Clots can cause trouble if they block blood flow where it’s needed. Here’s what might happen:
- Leg Clots (DVT): Deep vein thrombosis is when a clot forms in your leg. It’s uncomfortable but treatable.
- Lung Clots (PE): If a clot travels to your lungs—called pulmonary embolism—it’s more serious and needs quick help.
- Baby Risks: Rarely, clots can affect blood flow to your placenta (the baby’s lifeline), but good care usually prevents this.
The good news? Most moms with clots, when caught early, go on to have healthy babies. It’s all about knowing what to do.
What Raises Your Risk Even More?
Some situations during or after pregnancy can nudge your risk higher:
- C-Section: Surgery makes clots more likely because you’re resting more after.
- Bed Rest: Ordered to stay in bed? Blood can sit still too long.
- After Birth: The first 6 weeks postpartum are risky—your body’s adjusting back.
Another, a 33-year-old pregnant lady, had a C-section with us. She was overweight and stayed in bed a lot after. A week later, she felt breathless. We found a lung clot, treated it fast, and she’s fine now—her baby too. Her risk went up post-delivery, but we got it under control.
How Can You Lower Your Risk?
You’ve got power here—I promise! Here’s what you can do to keep clots at bay:
- Move Around: Walk or stretch every hour if you’re sitting a lot—it’s like shaking up a snow globe to keep things flowing.
- Drink Water: Staying hydrated keeps your blood from getting too thick.
- Wear Loose Clothes: Tight pants can squeeze your legs—go comfy instead.
- Quit Smoking: If you smoke, it’s like clogging the river even more—try cutting back.
Checklist for Safety:
- Take a 5-minute walk today.
- Fill a water bottle and sip it all day.
- Swap tight jeans for something stretchy.
- Tell your doctor about any family clot history.
When Should You Call a Doctor?
Don’t wait if something feels off. Reach out if:
- One leg swells or hurts more than the other.
- You’re short of breath or your chest hurts.
- You feel dizzy or faint.
A 31-year-old was 6 months pregnant when she noticed her calf felt tight. She ignored it for a day, then called us. Good thing—she had a small leg clot. We treated it with safe shots, and she delivered at full term. Listening to her body saved the day.
How Do We Check for Clots?
If we think you might have a clot, we’ll do simple tests:
- Ultrasound: A wand over your leg looks for blockages—painless and quick.
- Blood Tests: These check how your blood’s clotting.
- Lung Scan: If we’re worried about your lungs, we use safe imaging for you and baby.
Everything we do is designed to keep you both healthy—no guesswork here.
Your Next Steps: Feel Strong Today
Here’s what you can do right now:
- Know Your Risk: Over 35, overweight, or family history? Jot it down.
- Move a Little: Stand up and stretch after reading this.
- Watch Yourself: Notice any leg swelling or breathing changes? Tell someone.
- Talk to Me: Questions? Reach out at Mamata Fertility Hospital. I’m here for you.
You’re reading this because you care about your baby and yourself—that’s huge. You’ve got all the info in one place now—no more digging through endless pages. If anything’s still on your mind, let’s sort it out together.
At Mamata Fertility Hospital in Secunderabad, we’ve helped moms through pregnancies with all kinds of risks—clots included.
We’ve got the tools and the heart to guide you. Worried about something?
We’re just a call away, ready to listen and help.