Know the Facts About Pregnancy-related Blood Clots

• Although anyone can develop a blood clot, women who are pregnant or have recently had a baby (up to 3 months after delivery) are at higher risk for developing a deadly blood clot.

• Pregnant women are 5 times more likely to experience a dangerous blood clot compared to women who are not pregnant.

• A blood clot in the lungs is one of the most common causes of pregnancy-related death in the United States.

• Surgical delivery by C-section nearly doubles a pregnant woman’s risk for a blood clot.

Learn Why Pregnant Women Are at Higher Risk

Natural changes to a woman’s body during pregnancy, childbirth, and the 3-month period after delivery can put women at a higher risk for a blood clot. Pregnancy can cause a woman’s blood to clot more easily to prepare for minimizing blood loss during labor and delivery. During the later stages of pregnancy, pregnant women may also experience less blood flow to the legs because the blood vessels around the pelvis are pressed upon by the growing baby. In addition, limited or lack of movement due to bed rest after delivery can limit blood flow in the legs and arms, increasing a woman’s risk for a blood clot.