Blood Clots During Pregnancy & Birth Trauma

Blood clots happen to anyone, but there are a wide range of factors that can potentially increase a person’s risk of experiencing them. One of those risk factors is pregnancy or having recently given birth. Blood clots in the lungs are one of the most common causes of pregnancy-related deaths. According to the CDC, women are five times more likely to experience dangerous blood clots during pregnancy and delivering a baby through C-section doubles the risk of blood clots. 

Risk Factors for Blood Clots During Pregnancy

There are a few different reasons why pregnancy and recent childbirth can make blood clots more likely to occur. Immobility is a contributing factor to blood clots, and expectant mothers can be less active if they are put on bedrest during pregnancy or are recovering from childbirth. During pregnancy, blood also starts to clot easier than it normally would as a way to prevent blood loss during delivery. If a baby is pressing on blood vessels, it could also restrict blood flow to the legs. 

In addition to those reasons, other factors can increase the risk of blood clots during pregnancy, including: 

• Being over the age of 35
• A prior history of blood clots or a family history of blood clots
• Smoking
• Carrying multiple babies
• Traveling during pregnancy

The Dangers of Blood Clots During Pregnancy

Pregnancy-related blood clots can be very dangerous for both the mother and the baby. For the baby, blood clots can potentially impact the placenta and make it difficult for the baby to get the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Blood clots can also result in intrauterine growth restrictions (IUGR) and premature birth. Premature birth tends to come with a higher risk of experiencing injuries around the time of birth. In severe cases, blood clots can result in miscarriage or stillbirth. 

For the mother, there’s a risk of:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Thrombosis (DVT, CVT)
• Pulmonary embolism
• Venous thromboembolism 

Given these dangers, it’s extremely important for healthcare providers to monitor patients for signs of blood clots, particularly if other risk factors are present that make it more likely that blood clots could occur. They may need to prescribe blood thinners or refer patients to a hematologist for additional treatment.

Contact a Michigan Birth Injury Lawyer

If you or your child was injured during pregnancy or around the time of birth, don’t hesitate to contact a birth injury lawyer. Birth trauma cases are often medical malpractice cases and it’s important to have someone on your side who knows the law and has experience holding medical professionals accountable. 

At Scott Goodwin Law, we have experience helping victims of birth trauma and medical malpractice in the state of Michigan. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your case.

Image: iStock / Orbon Alija