Cardiovascular Pregnancy Complications

Cardiovascular disease is common in the United States, especially among older adults. Among adults, there is a category of individuals who may be at risk for development unsuspecting cardiovascular disease; pregnant women. For many pregnant women, complications associated with Deep Vein Thrombosis, DVT, is often confused with Varicose Vein development. Understanding the cause, symptoms, prevention and treatment for both DVT and varicose veins, will assist a pregnant woman in the transition from pregnancy to post-partum successfully.

Deep Vein Thrombosis, also known as DVT, is a life threatening cardiovascular complication of the general adult population but, especially, of concern to pregnant women and a developing fetus. DVT is a condition in which a blood clot develops, normally, in the lower extremities. For pregnant women, as the uterus enlarges, circulation through the lower extremities is often restricted, to some degree. As a result, the pregnant woman is, commonly, at risk for developing DVT as DVT is most likely attributed to lack of blood circulation throughout the body.

When suffering from DVT, the pregnant woman will commonly notice sudden burning and pain in the calf area. For many pregnant women, the pain is confused as muscle cramping resulting in an effort to walk off the pain. However, with DVT during pregnancy, walking will, in most cases, worsen the pain associated with DVT. As a result, when pain and swelling in the calf is present, the pregnant woman should consult a healthcare professionally immediately to determine if DVT is at issue.