What is DVT and please explain the effects on pregnancy?


DVT or deep vein thrombosis is caused by several factors, and pregnancy is one of them. Every one in a thousand pregnant women develop this problem during pregnancy. Those with DVT previously, and are now pregnant, the condition increases in gravity. It is basically a blood clot, mostly in the deep leg vein, which is not visible to the naked eye (i.e. different from the varicose veins which we can see). The larger veins in the legs supply blood to the smaller veins and blood flow is eased by our leg movements and so when we stay immobile for longer periods, this condition develops where blood flow is partially or totally blocked by the clot.





Traveling long distances in flight is the main culprit as staying immobile for hours causes the flow of blood in the legs to slow down and clot instead. It is therefore important to take short walks (in a smooth flight), stretch your legs so that the clotting of the veins, especially in the calves do not occur. The problem usually resurfaces with women who have had DVT in the past and are now pregnant. Flying should be avoided and doctors rightfully advice against travel because both air-travel and pregnancy increase the risk of DVT and clotting. In a gist it is best for women with DVT to heed their doctor's advice, and not fly.