11 Important Facts About Deep Vein Thrombosis That Pregnant Women Must Know

Deep vein thrombosis Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) happens when a blood clot, also known as a thrombus, forms inside one or more of the deep veins in the body. It is usually seen in the legs, causing pain and/or swelling. It especially affects pregnant women, who gain weight in the gestation period. According to Preeti Kulkarni, executive physiotherapist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Pune, owing to lack of movement and excessive load on the calf muscle, many women can suffer from DVT in pregnancy.Deep vein thrombosis in pregnancy The expert said that while the condition is rare in pregnancy, it is one of the leading causes of pain and discomfort in the second or third trimester, and post-delivery. Some factors that cause DVT in pregnancy are: history of leg infection or fracture; prolonged bed rest; twin or multiple pregnancies; obesity; thrombophilia (condition that makes clots frequently); fertility treatment; history of varicose veins; trauma to pelvic or legs; dehydration; family history of DVT.What causes deep vein thrombosis post delivery? The physiotherapist explained that the factors causing DVT post delivery include: prolonged immobilisation post-delivery; lower (uterine) segment caesarean section; instrumental delivery; preeclampsia (hypertension during pregnancy); history of varicose veins.Signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis Swelling in ankle and lower legs; continuous pain in lower legs especially in the calf muscles during walking, prolonged standing; lower legs turning red; warm skin near the calf area. Read on to find out how to prevent this condition.Lower leg joint mobility exercise Active ankle-toe movement in forward and backward direction will prevent clotting of blood, as the calf muscle will pump all the deoxygenated blood towards the heart and prevent swelling. This exercise can be done while standing and in a half-lying sitting position with back support.Stretching exercise Lower leg stretching for calf muscle will reduce its tightness, preventing cramps and reducing pain while walking.Compression therapy Wearing compression socks below the knee will help to reduce swelling and maintain blood circulation. Gentle squeezes around the leg can increase blood flow.Aerobic exercise Aerobic activities like walking, brisk walking, uphill climbing can promote good blood circulation.Taking breaks between work Sitting continuously can lead to swelling in the feet and decreased knee movement. Taking breaks for 2-5 minutes will prevent swelling. Place a foot rest to maintain the blood circulation. The expert suggested changing the position every few hours.Maintain a good posture Awkward posture during sitting is bad for the circulatory and musculoskeletal systems. Design your desk ergonomically to prevent pains and injuries. While working-from-home, active desk setup can play a crucial role in maintaining good circulation and to prevent musculoskeletal injury. Active ankle movement and calf stretches can be done while working.Massage therapy Gentle forward and backward massage strokes over the calf muscles will improve blood supply to the tissues and release the tension from the muscles to reduce pain.