Munich (dpa) - Pregnant women should watch for signs of thrombosis
because the risk of developing the condition is much greater when a
woman is expecting a baby, Germany's professional association for
gynaecologists says.
Swelling, pain, sensitivity to pressure or a bluish colour in one
of the legs are indications of thrombosis, said Klaus Koenig of the
Munich-based association. Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot develop
in the leg, usually in a vein. If it is not caught early, pieces of
the blood clot can break away and reach the heart or lungs, causing a
pulmonary embolism.
Symptoms of this condition are chest pain, shortness of breath and
upset stomach and if these symptoms arise in a pregnant woman an
emergency doctor should be summoned immediately.
A women who has had thrombosis during a one pregnancy is at even
higher risk of developing it in any subsequent pregnancies. Being
overweight and and taking insufficient exercise can increase the
danger of developing thrombosis. The risk can be lowered by drinking
enough liquid and when necessary by wearing compression hosiery,
Koenig said.
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