How do I know if I have a blood clot while pregnant?

The most obvious symptom of DVT is swelling and heavy pain or extreme tenderness in one of your legs. Up to 90 percent of DVT cases in pregnancy occur in the left leg. Other symptoms of DVT include: pain in the leg when standing or moving around.

What causes blood clots in the lungs during pregnancy?

In fact, pregnant women are five times more likely to develop blood clots than non-pregnant patients because during pregnancy, the body increases production of blood factors that promote normal clotting. The growing uterus also impedes return of blood in veins in the lower part of the body.

How do you treat a blood clot while pregnant?

In general, if a pregnant woman is at high risk for a blood clot or experiences a blood clot during pregnancy or after delivery, she may be prescribed a medicine called low-molecular weight heparin. This medicine, injected under the skin, is used to prevent or treat blood clots during and after pregnancy.

How do they test for pulmonary embolism in pregnancy?

A chest X-Ray, ECG and either ventilation/perfusion lung scan or a CT pulmonary angiogram should be performed if pulmonary embolism is suspected. Neither D-dimer nor any other blood test is recommended for screening purposes before imaging for pregnant women.

How is a pulmonary embolism treated during pregnancy?

The mainstay of treatment for pulmonary thromboembolism in pregnancy is anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin for a minimum of 3 months in total duration and until at least 6 weeks postnatal. Low molecular weight heparin is safe, effective and has a low associated bleeding risk.

How do doctors check for blood clots?

Diagnosing bruises and blood clots Imaging tests for blood clots may include an ultrasound, CT, or MRI scan. These tests can help doctors look for blood clots both in blood vessels and within tissues and organs.

Are there any warning signs of a blood clot?

Symptoms of a Blood Clot Swelling of your leg or arm. Pain or tenderness not caused by an injury. Skin that is warm to the touch, with swelling or pain. Redness of the skin, with swelling or pain.

Do you know the signs of a blood clot during pregnancy?

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a blood clot is important to protect yourself and your baby during pregnancy and after delivery. Visit CDC’s new Hear Her campaign website to learn the warning signs to watch for during this exciting time. A blood clot occurring in the legs or arms is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

What are the symptoms of a blood clot in the lungs?

If a blood clot travels to the lungs it can cause a pulmonary embolism, which is a medical emergency. Some patients may experience these symptoms during pregnancy or in the weeks after delivery: Dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness

What are the symptoms of an embolism during pregnancy?

The most common symptoms — shortness of breath, chest pain, and leg swelling — are also general pregnancy symptoms, which makes it difficult to discern if the symptom is the result of a PE or not. To diagnose PE, obstetricians rely heavily upon patient history and general health to assess whether or not a patient has a suspected embolism.

Is shortness of breath a sign of pregnancy?

It is difficult to detect PE in pregnant women because the circulatory system changes considerably throughout pregnancy. The most common symptoms — shortness of breath, chest pain, and leg swelling — are also general pregnancy symptoms, which makes it difficult to discern if the symptom is the result of a PE or not.