Pregnant women should watch for signs of thrombosis because the risk of developing the condition is much greater when a woman is expecting a baby, Germany’s professional association for gynaecologists says.
Swelling, pain, sensitivity to pressure or a bluish colour in one of the legs are indications of thrombosis, said Klaus Koenig of the Munich-based association. Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot develop in the leg, usually in a vein. If it is not caught early, pieces of the blood clot can break away and reach the heart or lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
Symptoms of this condition are chest pain, shortness of breath and upset stomach and if these symptoms arise in a pregnant woman an emergency doctor should be summoned immediately.
A women who has had thrombosis during a one pregnancy is at even higher risk of developing it in any subsequent pregnancies. Being overweight and and taking insufficient exercise can increase the danger of developing thrombosis. The risk can be lowered by drinking enough liquid and when necessary by wearing compression hosiery, Koenig said.
