How common are blood clots during pregnancy?
The risk of developing a blood clot is higher during pregnancy, delivery, and the six week period after birth. The chance of developing a blood clot is about 4-6 times more likely in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women who are the same age. A blood clot occurs only in about one pregnant woman in 1,000-1,500. Blood clots remain a leading cause of maternal death in all parts of the world, and account for 11% of maternal deaths in the US. What types of blood clots occur? When in pregnancy is a woman most at risk? Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that occurs in the deep veins, usually in one leg, accounts for about 75% of all blood clots that happen during or right after pregnancy. An embolism happens when a blood clot in the leg travels to the lungs, and pulmonary embolism (PE) accounts for about 25% of blood clots in pregnancy. PE is typically more acute and more likely to be fatal than DVT. DVT and PE may occur during pregnancy or up to six weeks after birth. DVT is ab
