Even though pregnancy puts you at higher risk for DVT, you can take steps to protect yourself from blood clots. Above all, talk to your provider about your symptoms as much as you need to. When it comes to protecting yourself from DVT, no question is too small.
Be Aware of Your Risk Factors
The more prepared you are, the better you can prevent DVT in pregnancy. Ask the women in your family if they have had blood clots, and notify your provider of any family history or other risk factors.
Keep Moving
Lack of movement can affect your blood flow and increase your risk for DVT in pregnancy, says Dr. Berens. “So stay active and maintain a healthy weight.” If you have to be on bed rest because of an injury or complication in your pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe blood thinners as a precautionary measure.
Get Up During Travel
“Flying in itself is a risk factor for DVT, so pregnant women who fly are definitely at an increased risk,” Berens says. If you have to fly, get up and move around every hour or two and do ankle roll exercises while you sit.
“Do the same thing if you go on a long car or bus ride,” she adds.
Wear Compression Socks
Because they improve circulation and reduce swelling in the legs, compression socks can lower your risk of DVT in pregnancy, Roshan says.
Drink Lots of Water
Good hydration during pregnancy helps prevent clots by keeping the blood from getting too thick, Roshan says. Experts recommend that pregnant women drink 8 to 12 glasses of water every day.
Use Prescribed Medication
If you have a DVT, you will probably be treated with a blood thinner like enoxaparin (Lovenox), which is safe during pregnancy. “We treat the clot with a therapeutic dose for a few months and then lower it to a prophylactic (preventive) dose,” says Roshan.
If your provider prescribes medication for you, it’s very important you take it as instructed. If you’re not sure how to take it, or have questions about it, let your provider know right away.
“We usually monitor women taking blood thinners throughout their pregnancies because as the pregnancy progresses, they sometimes need higher doses,” Roshan says. “For women with a family history of DVT but no personal past history, we sometimes prescribe baby aspirin and tell them to be particularly cautious about symptoms.”
Overall, erring on the side of caution with blood clots can help prevent or catch any potential complications early. “Deep vein thrombosis in pregnancy can be life-threatening, so if you see any signs, don’t hesitate to go to your doctor to get checked,” Roshan says.