Blood Clot Prevention Checklist for Pregnant Women

Factors that increase your risk for a blood clot during pregnancy:

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  Prolonged immobility due to bed rest during pregnancy or recovery after delivery
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  Delivery by C-section
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  A previous blood clot, a family history of blood clots, or a genetic blood clotting disorder
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  Certain pregnancy complications and conditions, such as pregnancy with multiple babies or the use of fertility treatments involving the use of hormones

Additional factors that increase risk:

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  Smoking
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  Overweight or obesity
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  Prolonged immobility, such as travel greater than 4 hours
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  Surgery
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  Pregnancy at age 35 or older
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  Long-term diseases, such as heart and lung conditions or diabetes

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  Talk to your family about your health history and tell your doctor if you or a family member has ever had a blood clot.
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  Talk to your doctor about all your potential risks for developing a blood clot.
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  Work with your doctor to reduce your risk for blood clots, especially if you are on bed rest or have had a C-section.
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  Exercise as much as your doctor recommends.
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  If you sit for long periods of time, move around or exercise your legs every 1-2 hours.
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  Drink plenty of liquids.
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  Take medications as prescribed and use compression devices as directed to improve blood flow.

Seek medical care if you experience signs or symptoms of blood clots: