Blood Clots - How To Avert Them?

Blood clots can be alarming, more so during pregnancy. The seriousness is much more because of the baby growing inside you. However, the good part is that this condition is considered rare.
However, one can take steps to minimize the risks of this condition during pregnancy.

What is a blood clot?
Blood clots develop when the platelets obstruct blood flow. Normally, this happens after any injury or a cut, in order to prevent continuous bleeding. During pregnancy, blood clots act as a safeguard against losing excessive blood at the time of labor. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is however, a serious condition wherein a blood clot forms within the leg’s deep veins or the pelvic area. DVT is linked to Pulmonary Embolism, a condition wherein a blood clot ruptures and travels all the way to the lungs’ blood vessels.

Bear in mind that statistically, a blood clot may affect one or two out of every 1000 women. So there should be no real alarm unless you realize that you could be at risk. The risks of this condition are at their highest, either during the initial six weeks, post-childbirth or the first 3-4 months post pregnancy.

The risk factors are:

1. Family history of DVT
2. Smoking or having been exposed to passive smoke
3. Age- especially above the age of 35
4. Being overweight or obese
5. Sedentary lifestyle devoid of any exercise
6. Childbirth via a C-section

Common symptoms:
Although rare, some of the common symptoms include:

1. Pain or swelling in the affected leg
2. Pelvic pain
3. Pain that deteriorates while walking/moving around
4. Abnormally large veins

Possible complications:
Placental abruption or blood clots in the placenta

1. Stroke
2. Heart attack
3. Miscarriage
4. Pulmonary Embolism

Treatment and prevention
Adopting a healthier way of life by following a proper diet and exercising regularly is the basic preventive measure you can take. Discuss the type of exercises you can do with the healthcare provider. Exercising regularly ensures better circulation, thus averting the formation of blood clots. Now is as good a time as ever when it comes to quitting tobacco. An anticoagulant will be administered that prevents blood clotting.