Doctor Warns of Rising Blood Clot Risks for Pregnant and Postpartum Mothers
New Delhi: A looming health crisis has emerged for pregnant and post-partum mothers as medical experts raise concerns about the life-threatening risks posed by blood clots.
Dr. Achintya Sharma, Senior Consultant and Incharge of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Max Shalimar Bagh and Tirath Ram Shah Hospital, has highlighted the urgency of addressing this silent yet deadly threat.
“Pregnant women are five times more likely to develop blood clots compared to non-pregnant women,” warns Dr. Sharma. “The risk escalates dramatically, by 30 to 60 times, after delivery. The signs may be subtle, but the consequences can be catastrophic for both mother and child.”
Why Pregnancy Increases Clotting Risks?
During pregnancy, the body enters a hypercoagulable state to minimize bleeding risks during delivery. However, this natural adaptation can lead to dangerous clot formation, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). “In the first trimester, the risk doubles, and after childbirth, it surges nine-fold,” explains Dr. Sharma.
Blood clots can cause severe complications like stroke, pulmonary embolism, or even death. Dr. Sharma describes the condition as “a silent killer that demands immediate attention.”
Risk Factors to Watch For
Certain conditions further increase the likelihood of blood clots during pregnancy and postpartum:
- History of clotting disorders
- Cesarean sections
- Multiple pregnancies (e.g., twins or triplets)
- Maternal age over 35
- Underlying health issues like diabetes or hypertension
- Heavy bleeding during pregnancy
- Smoking and obesity
Importance of Early Diagnosis
Timely diagnosis is crucial to saving lives, with venous Doppler ultrasound as the primary diagnostic tool. “Every minute counts,” emphasizes Dr. Sharma. “A missed diagnosis can cost lives.”
How are Blood Clots Treated?
Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition. For most cases, blood-thinning medications like low molecular weight heparin, which are safe for both mother and baby, are prescribed. In severe instances, advanced interventions like catheter-directed thrombolysis or surgical clot removal may be required.
Prevention is Key
Preventative measures are essential, especially for high-risk mothers. Dr. Sharma advocates for the use of low molecular weight heparin during pregnancy and after delivery. However, he points out a critical limitation: “Newer blood thinners are not safe for breastfeeding, which restricts treatment options.”
The primary causes of clot formation include:
- Slowed blood flow due to uterine compression on major veins
- Hormonal changes weakening vein walls
- Vein injury during childbirth
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Dr. Sharma urges immediate medical attention if symptoms like leg pain, swelling, or redness appear. “Blood clots are treatable—but only if diagnosed in time,” he stresses.
This growing health risk calls for heightened awareness among patients and robust action from healthcare providers. By recognizing the warning signs and ensuring timely intervention, lives can be saved, and devastating outcomes can be avoided.
“Lives depend on awareness, swift diagnosis, and aggressive treatment,” concludes Dr. Sharma. “Together, we can make a difference in preventing unnecessary loss.”
Rishika Verma is a graduate from Delhi University. She joined Medical Dialogues in 2023. Her interest lies in reporting health news, hospital updates, health updates, medical case studies, and advancements in healthcare, etc.