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Postpartum Blood Clots

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Reviewed/Revised Aug 2022 | Modified Sep 2022
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Postpartum refers to the time period after you have a baby. It's usually considered the first 6 weeks after delivery.

A blood clot (called a thrombus) sometimes forms inside a blood vessel. A clot inside a large vein is called deep vein thrombosis Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is when a blood clot forms inside a large vein. Usually the vein is deep in your leg, but a clot may form in a vein in your pelvic area or your arm. A blood clot is... read more (DVT). Usually the vein is deep in your leg or your pelvic area.

What are the symptoms of a postpartum blood clot?

You may have no symptoms or you may have:

  • Pain, tenderness, warmth, and swelling in your leg

  • Sometimes a fever

A pulmonary embolism may cause chest pain or make you feel short of breath.

How can doctors tell if I have a postpartum blood clot?

How do doctors treat a postpartum blood clot?

Doctors treat a deep venous blood clot using:

  • Medicine to thin your blood to prevent more clotting

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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