Thrombophlebitis During Pregnancy
What the heck is thrombophlebitis anyhow? And how can you prevent and treat it? We've got answers.
What is thrombophlebitis during pregnancy?
Thrombophlebitis is the inflammation of a blood vessel caused by a clot. You're more prone to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) -- which is clot deep in a vein, usually in a leg or arm -- during pregnancy. If the clot swells, that's thrombophlebitis.
What are the signs of thrombophlebitis during pregnancy?
Pain is the main symptom. If you have severe pain in one limb report it to your doc immediately. The danger is that the clot could dislodge and cause problems in your body.
Other symptoms include warmth, tenderness and swelling.
Are there any tests for thrombophlebitis during pregnancy?
A physical exam with or without an ultrasound of the affected limb can diagnose thrombophlebitis.
How common is thrombophlebitis during pregnancy?
Thrombophlebitis is more common in pregnant than non-pregnant women, but it’s still rare (think one to two cases per 1,000 pregnancies).
How did I get thrombophlebitis during pregnancy?
Pregnant women are more susceptible to clots than non-pregnant women and smoking increases that risk. Sitting or standing for long periods increases the risk, too.
How will my thrombophlebitis affect my baby?
It probably won’t. With treatment, most cases get better, with no harm to baby.
What’s the best way to treat thrombophlebitis during pregnancy?
Elevate your leg as much as possible and apply a warm compress. Your doc may prescribe an oral anti-inflammatory that can help, or find that blood-thinning medication (usually heparin) may be necessary (see next page for prevention, resources and more tips).
-- Deborah Ottenheimer, MD, ob-gyn at Ottenheimer Healthcare in New York