Pregnancy increases the risk
of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to blockage of blood flow, and having a
C-section can significantly increase that risk.
The risk of thromboembolism, a
potentially deadly condition in which organs sustain damage due to the blockage
of blood flow by blood clots, has been found to greatly increase during
pregnancy. And according to experts at the American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists, having a Caesarean section (C-section) birth almost doubles that
blood clot risk.
The significant increase in
risk for blood clots has prompted the leading obstetricians group to issue a
new recommendation that all women undergoing a C-section should wear inflatable
compression devices on their legs during delivery to prevent the formation of
blood clots.
In addition, for cases in
which the risk is greatest, the group advised that these women also receive anticoagulant
(anti-clotting) medications. The new guidelines will be published in an
upcoming issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Dr. Andra H. James, who was
involved in the development of the new guidelines, stated in a college news
release, “VTE [venous thromboembolism] is a major contributor to maternal
mortality in this country. The risk of VTE is increased during pregnancy and
the consequences can be severe.” She then added, “It’s important for ob-gyns to
adopt these recommendations to help reduce maternal deaths.”
Several physiological changes
that pregnant women experience put them at greater risk for developing VTE, such
as a slowing of blood flow, having blood that tends to clot more easily,
decreased mobility, and compression of pelvic and other veins. Other factors
that increase the risk for VTE include obesity, a history of VTE or extreme
clotting, high blood pressure, and smoking.source-health news
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