What Causes Blood Clots During Pregnancy?
Light bleeding and passing small blood clots in early pregnancy aren’t automatically a sign of miscarriage, but blood clotting disorders during pregnancy can raise the risk of serious complications like preeclampsia. Learn whether a blood clot in pregnancy in the first trimester might indicate something significant.
Pregnancy is a transformative journey that brings both excitement and surprises. While common symptoms such as mood swings, inflammation, cravings, and even changes in appearance are expected, some unexpected symptoms may arise. One such symptom that can have serious consequences is the formation of blood clots. Here’s what you need to know about this pregnancy symptom.
What are blood clots?
A blood clot, also known as a thrombus, is a clump of blood that has formed in a blood vessel. It can occur in a variety of locations, including deep veins, arteries, and even the umbilical cord. A blood clot during pregnancy can be a serious issue because it can potentially disrupt blood flow and lead to complications.
During pregnancy, the body undergoes numerous physiological changes, including increased blood volume, lower blood pressure, and a shift in blood clotting factors. These factors can contribute to the formation of blood clots. Additionally, certain pregnancy-related conditions, such as varicose veins or preeclampsia, can increase the risk of developing blood clots.
If you have a blood clotting disorder or if you have been passing blood clots in early pregnancy with no pain, don’t panic. Contact your healthcare provider and discuss your concerns.
Why am I passing dark red blood clots in early pregnancy?
Passing blood clots during early pregnancy with no pain and no other symptoms could be due to causes that aren’t typically worrisome. Blood vessel development within the cervix might trigger light bleeding or blood clots. Implantation bleeding, when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, might also contain light blood clots.
However, if you are passing blood clots during early pregnancy with noticeable cramping, the cause could be serious. Conditions causing painful clotting could include the following:
- Ectopic Pregnancy: Ectopic pregnancies are when implantation occurs outside the uterus. Symptoms include abdominal cramping, pelvic pain, bleeding, and blood clotting.
- Infection: Some sexually transmitted infections and urinary tract infections can lead to passing blood clots during pregnancy.
- Miscarriage: Cramping and passing blood clots are common symptoms of miscarriage.
- Molar Pregnancy: This rare yet highly serious complication is characterized by the development of fluid-filled sacs within the uterus in place of a placenta.
- Subchorionic Hematoma: When blood collects between the uterine wall and the chorionic membrane – the external layer of the fetus’s amniotic sac – a subchorionic hematoma can occur. While they can sometimes resolve without medical intervention, a blood clot in the uterus during pregnancy can also cause preterm delivery and potentially serious complications.
Contact your physician immediately if blood clots are accompanied by any painful symptoms.
Blood Clot Pregnancy Symptoms
Symptoms of blood clots during pregnancy can vary significantly depending on the cause.
The most noticeable symptom is the passage of a blood clot through the vagina. However, certain blood clotting disorders that form during pregnancy present distinct symptoms. Here are some blood clot pregnancy signs:
Pulmonary Embolism
When a blood clot migrates to the lung and causes artery blockage, it is known as a pulmonary embolism, or PE. A blood clot on the lung in pregnancy is a critically serious event; this condition is fatal without immediate treatment. An estimated 10 percent of deaths during pregnancy are associated with PE.
Symptoms of PE include the following:
- Stabbing chest pain
- Loss of consciousness (fainting)
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Blue or red skin color
- Inflammation in the legs
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where a blood clot develops within one of the deep veins in the lower body, most typically the legs. DVT can cause significant complications during pregnancy because the blood clot can migrate to the lungs, leading to pulmonary embolism.
Symptoms of a blood clot in the leg during pregnancy include the following:
- Loss of sensation in the legs
- Tenderness in the legs
- Bulging veins
- Leg pain
- Swelling in the lower legs
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve outcomes for you and your baby.
I’m experiencing big blood clots after pregnancy – should I be worried?
During pregnancy, the uterus expands to accommodate the growing fetus. After delivery, the uterus gradually returns to its pre-pregnancy size, while releasing accumulated tissue and blood. This process can result in blood clots, which are a normal occurrence for the first two weeks postpartum.
However, it is important to be aware of signs of potential complications that may arise during the postpartum period. Heavy bleeding, extended bleeding, passing large blood clots (the size of a golf ball or larger), or unusual bleeding that lasts beyond approximately six weeks may indicate a more serious medical condition.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider will assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.
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