How can I reduce my risk of getting a DVT/PE? Your risk of getting a DVT/PE may increase or decrease in pregnancy. You can reduce your risk by:
What is DVT? Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) that occurs when blood clots veins, usually in the legs. If a damaged or if the flow of blood clot can develop.
is a condition form in deep vein becomes slows down, a
Signs and symptoms of a DVT
Swelling Pain and tenderness Change in colour of the skin Skin warm to touch
What is a PE? Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a condition when a blood clot blocks one of the arteries in the lung or one of its branches. Pulmonary Embolism often results from Deep Vein Thrombosis.
Signs and symptoms of a PE
Acute shortness of breath Chest pain, cough, Sweating Rapid heart rate
What is a venous thrombosis? Thrombosis is a blood clot in a blood vessel (vein or artery). Venous thrombosis occurs in a vein. Veins are the blood vessels that take blood back to the heart and lungs where as arteries take the blood away from the heart. Venous thrombosis can be a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT – in the legs or pelvis) or a Pulmonary Embolism (PE – to the lungs). You have been given this leaflet as your Health Care Professional may need to Risk Assess you for VTE (DVT or PE) while you are pregnant or following the birth of your baby. If you are considered to be at risk your Health Care Professional may prescribe a Low Molecular Weight Heparin injection for you to take (selfadministration).
Antenatally Please inform your Doctor or Midwife if you have one or more risks on this self assessment sheet at all your hospital visits
Before pregnancy/antenatally:
How common is DVT/PE in pregnancy? Pregnancy can increase your risk of DVT/PE with the highest risk being just after you have your baby.
Are you 35 years of age or older? Have you had 3 or more births after 24 weeks gestation? Have you ever experienced a venous thrombosis (DVT or PE)? Do you have a first degree relative (Mother, Father, Brother or Sister) with history of thromboembolism/clots? Are you known to have a thrombophilia (a condition that makes a blood clot more likely) Have you ever been diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome and or have another medical condition e.g. heart or lung disease? Do you have gross varicose veins that are painful or above the knee with redness or swollen? Is your mobility significantly reduced? Do you use a wheelchair to mobilise?
Are you overweight/obese? Is your BMI greater than 30kg/m2? Do you smoke cigarettes? Do you use intravenous drugs?
Are you having twins, triplets or quadruplets? Have you become dehydrated or less mobile in pregnancy due to: vomiting in early pregnancy, being in hospital with an infection e.g. kidney infection or if you are medically unwell for any reason. Are you immobile for long periods of time, for example after an operation or travelling regularly for 4 hours or longer? Do you have pre-eclampsia?
Postnatally
Did you have a long labour (more than 24 hours)? Did you have a caesarean delivery? Did you loose a lot of blood after you had your baby? Did you receive a blood transfusion?
If you need low molecular weight heparin after delivery please ensure:
Lifestyle:
Have you been admitted to hospital?
You are linked in with the Haematology Midwife? You have been taught how to self-administer the injections? You have an in-date Drug Payment Scheme Card (if not, check with your local Pharmacy)? Ensure you wear anti-emboli stockings Keep yourself well hydrated Seek medical assistance if you experience any signs or symptoms of Venous Thrombosis