Many people have heard of pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. In addition to those complications, pregnant women are also at an increased risk of a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism or PE is a blood clot, which has traveled from another location in the body to the lung. It can be a life threatening condition, not only in pregnant women, but in anyone.
Cause
The main reason for the increased risk during pregnancy is the change in blood clotting. Pregnancy hormones are believed to change how the blood the clots. Why this occurs is not fully understood.
Venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) leading to a pulmonary embolism develops more frequently in pregnant women, than in the rest of the population. According to the Mayo Clinic, pregnant women are more likely to develop the condition than women who are not pregnant. VTE is a condition in which blood clots form. Women may develop deep vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot in one of the larger veins in the body, such as the leg. Deep vein thrombosis may develop into a pulmonary embolism if the clot breaks off and travels to the lung.
Pregnant women over the age of 35 are at a higher risk of developing both VTE and a pulmonary embolism. Women who are overweight and have a family history of a pulmonary embolism are also at a higher risk.
Symptoms
Since the condition can be dangerous for both mother and baby, a quick diagnose and treatment can be life saving. Most deep vein thrombosis develop in the legs. Symptoms may include swelling and pain in the area of the blood clot. The legs may be tired and the affected area of the leg may be warm and red.
If a clot has broken off and traveled to the lung, additional symptoms of a pulmonary embolism may develop. A women may have sudden shortness of breath and an increased heart rate, Since the clot is obstructing oxygen to the lungs, the blood oxygen level may drop. Chest pain may also develop.
Since the above symptoms can also be attributed to other conditions, a diagnosis is not made on symptoms alone. If a pulmonary embolism is suspected in a pregnant woman, an ultra sound may be used to help make a diagnosis. A perfusion lung scan is a more precise test and may be used in some cases.
Treatment
Once a diagnosis is made, treatment may include blood thinners. Certain types of blood thinners which cross the placenta may not be recommended for pregnant women. Heparin may be used since it does not cross into the placenta. There is a risk of maternal bleeding.
As with all treatments during pregnancy, women should be made aware of the treatment options and risks to make an informed decision on what is the best action to take for both mom and baby.
