How often does a pulmonary embolism occur during pregnancy?

During pregnancy and shortly after birth, the risk of thrombus formation is significantly increased: one person in every 1000 women suffers a pulmonary embolism, so the risk is 0.1%. The general risk of thrombosis is eight times higher during pregnancy than in non-pregnant women. Pregnant women who give birth by caesarean section have an even higher risk of thrombosis due to the surgical procedure than women who give birth naturally. Pulmonary embolism is one of the leading causes of death during pregnancy in Germany. Important information on this topic:

Prevention of pulmonary embolism

These are the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism

Typical symptoms caused by pulmonary embolism include acute shortness of breath (dyspnoea) and possibly chest pain. The heart rate is significantly elevated and the affected women feel dizzy, although short-term fainting spells may also occur. The majority of pulmonary embolisms occur in relapses, whereby the symptoms begin suddenly, subside and begin again.

In some cases, the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) appear even before the pulmonary embolism develops. The leg feels heavy and thick on the affected side, in the calf area women feel a painful burning and pulling sensation. Often, however, DVT does not cause any symptoms and therefore remains undetected. In any case, an immediate medical examination should be performed if the above symptoms occur.

What are the risks for the baby?

Thrombosis can be easily treated with anticoagulant drugs (anticoagulants such as low molecular weight heparin). These drugs must be taken for the remaining period of pregnancy until six weeks after birth. In severe cases, the thrombus must be surgically removed.

If a thrombosis goes unnoticed, in the worst case a pulmonary embolism develops. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Patients are immediately treated with high-dose, anticoagulant medication and must maintain strict bed rest.

In severe cases, the blood clot may need to be surgically removed from the lungs. The risk of pulmonary embolism during pregnancy can be significantly reduced by appropriate prevention. Preventive measures include wearing thrombosis stockings: the compression of the leg veins prevents the formation of thrombus. Pregnant women who have other risk factors for increased blood clotting, such as severe obesity, smoking, bedriddenness or a congenital coagulation disorder, should have a close examination by their doctor and possibly take blood-thinning medication for the duration of the pregnancy.