(StatePoint) If you are expecting or recently had a baby, don’t let a blood clot spoil your joy. Blood clots that form in a woman’s legs or arms can be dangerous, and those that break off and travel to the lungs can be life-threatening.
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Women are at increased risk for blood clots during pregnancy, childbirth, and up to three months after birth. A woman’s risk for blood clots is increased if she has a personal or family history of clots, a clotting disorder or C-section.
Tell your doctor if you experience symptoms of blood clots. Symptoms of a blood clot in the arm or leg may include swelling, pain or tenderness not caused by an injury, skin that is warm to the touch, and redness or discoloration of the skin. Symptoms of a blood clot in the lung may include difficulty breathing, chest pain that worsens with a deep breath or cough, coughing up blood and a faster than normal or irregular heartbeat.
More information about blood clots is available at stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword.
Blood clots can be prevented. Know your risk, and work with your doctor to develop a prevention plan.
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