Pain and blood clots

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Pain and blood clots

Blood clots are a rare complication of pregnancy. While blood clots can form in either arteries or veins, clots occurs more often in veins. A blood clot generally forms in damaged veins or in places where the blood flow stops or slows down, such as the calves of the legs. Pregnant women can also form a clot in the pelvic area. During pregnancy, a woman has a higher chance of a blood clot forming.

Blood clots can still occur in the days or weeks right after delivery.

When a clot forms in the deep vein, it is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A woman with a DVT may or may not have symptoms. If symptoms are present, they often include tenderness, pain, or swelling, in the calf of a leg.

A serious problem can happen if a blood clot breaks off and blocks blood flow in a lung, causing a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism can be a very serious problem that can cause death. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolus include:

• Sudden, sharp chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing.
• Coughing up blood.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Sweating.
• Anxiety.

If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

Credits

Last updated:	August 06, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine, Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer