Pregnancy and Clotting: Risks, Medications, and What You Need to Know
When you're pregnant, your body naturally becomes more prone to blood clotting, a protective mechanism that prevents excessive bleeding during childbirth. Also known as hypercoagulability, this state helps reduce postpartum hemorrhage—but it also raises the risk of dangerous clots in the legs, lungs, or placenta. About 1 in 1,000 pregnant women develop a blood clot, and the risk stays high for up to 12 weeks after delivery. This isn’t something you can ignore—it’s why doctors monitor clotting factors, family history, and medication use closely during pregnancy.
Some medications used to treat or prevent clots, like low molecular weight heparin, a common anticoagulant prescribed during pregnancy, are safe because they don’t cross the placenta. But others, like warfarin, can harm the baby and are avoided. Even over-the-counter supplements like high-dose vitamin E or fish oil can thin the blood too much if you’re already on treatment. If you have a history of clots, genetic disorders like Factor V Leiden, or conditions like preeclampsia, your risk goes up even more. That’s why tracking symptoms—swelling in one leg, sudden shortness of breath, chest pain—is critical. Many women don’t realize these aren’t normal pregnancy discomforts.
Clotting risks don’t just come from your body’s changes—they’re also tied to how you move, what you eat, and whether you’re sitting still for long periods. Long flights, bed rest after delivery, or even a C-section can trigger clots. That’s why walking soon after birth, staying hydrated, and wearing compression stockings are often recommended. And if you’re on any medication—whether for depression, high blood pressure, or autoimmune issues—you need to check if it interacts with your clotting profile. Some antidepressants and birth control pills (even if stopped before pregnancy) can linger in your system and raise risk.
Below, you’ll find real stories and expert advice on how women manage clotting risks during pregnancy, what medications are safe, and how to spot warning signs before it’s too late. These posts aren’t just about drugs—they’re about staying alive, healthy, and in control when your body is changing faster than you can keep up.
- By Percival Harrington
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- 18 Nov 2025
Blood Clots and Pregnancy: What Every Expectant Mother Should Know
Blood clots during pregnancy are rare but dangerous. Learn the real risks, warning signs, and what to do if you're at risk - so you can stay safe and informed.