Pregnancy and the Risk for Blood Clots

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Pregnancy and childbirth can increase the risk for blood clots.

A woman is at increased risk up to 3 months after her baby is born.
Risks for blood clots during pregnancy, childbirth, and up to 3 months after the baby is born include:
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Prolonged immobility due to bed rest during pregnancy or recovery after delivery

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A previous blood clot, a family history of clots, or a genetic blood clotting disorder

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Delivery by C-section

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Pregnancy at age 35 or older

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Overweight or obesity

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Smoking

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Certain pregnancy complications, such as pregnancy with multiple babies or the use of fertility treatments involving hormones

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Page last reviewed: February 7, 2020
Content source:  National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention