Blood Clot Symptoms During Pregnancy and After Birth: DVT and PE
Pregnancy and the months after birth increase the risk of venous blood clots. Learn the signs of DVT and pulmonary embolism, when to call 112 in India and how clinicians assess and treat clots.
In this guide
Why can blood clots happen during pregnancy or after birth?
Pregnancy changes how blood clots and can slow blood flow in the legs. The risk continues after delivery. A clot in a deep vein is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT); if part of a clot travels to the lungs it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), which is an emergency.
Know the possible DVT signs
Get prompt medical advice for new swelling in one leg or arm, pain or tenderness not explained by an injury, warmth, redness or a change in skin colour. These signs have other possible causes, but a clinician should assess a possible clot rather than relying on appearance alone.
Know the possible pulmonary embolism signs
Sudden or difficult breathing, chest pain that worsens with a deep breath or cough, coughing blood, a racing or irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness or fainting can signal a PE. A PE can occur without obvious leg symptoms.
Tell your clinician about personal and family history
A previous clot, clotting disorder, close family history, caesarean birth, reduced movement or other health conditions may affect an individual risk assessment. These factors do not diagnose a clot, and their absence does not rule one out.
| Pregnancy week / birth date | Which limb and when it began | Swelling, warmth, colour or pain | Breathing or chest symptoms | Past / family clot history | Medicines and care contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
When is a blood clot an emergency?
Breathing or chest symptoms that could be a PE need emergency attention now. Possible DVT symptoms also need prompt assessment, even if there is no breathlessness.
Call 112 for possible pulmonary embolism
For sudden breathing difficulty, chest pain, coughing blood, collapse or fainting, call 112 or go to emergency care now. Say she is pregnant or recently gave birth and a lung blood clot is possible. Do not wait for a routine appointment or drive yourself while breathless or faint.
Seek prompt care for possible DVT
Contact an obstetric service or emergency department promptly for new one-sided limb swelling, pain, warmth or redness during pregnancy or after birth. Tell them when it began and whether it is getting worse. If chest or breathing symptoms appear, switch to emergency action.
Do not massage or self-medicate a suspected clot
Do not massage the painful or swollen area or take someone else’s blood thinner or aspirin. These actions do not establish a diagnosis and may be unsafe. Let a clinician decide which tests and treatment are appropriate.
How do clinicians check for and treat a clot?
Symptoms alone cannot confirm DVT or PE. A clinician decides which examination and imaging tests are appropriate, considering pregnancy, recent birth and the risks of delaying a diagnosis.
Testing may include imaging
An ultrasound may be used to look for a leg clot. If PE is suspected, clinicians may consider further tests to examine the lungs and heart. Tell the team if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and ask them to explain the purpose and risks of each test in your situation.
Blood-thinning medicine is prescribed for the individual
Clinicians may prescribe an anticoagulant to treat or prevent clots when indicated. The medicine, dose and duration depend on the diagnosis and personal factors. Do not start, stop or share an anticoagulant without medical advice, including during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Ask for a plan that covers the postpartum period
Before discharge, ask about the treatment duration, missed-dose instructions, bleeding precautions, follow-up and who to call if symptoms return. If you have risk factors, ask your maternity team whether prevention is appropriate for you rather than starting medication on your own.
Pregnancy blood clots: frequently asked questions
How long after birth can clot risk matter?
CDC says risk is increased during pregnancy and for about three months after delivery. Individual risk and local clinical protocols vary, so seek care for symptoms throughout recovery and ask your maternity team about your own risk.
Could leg swelling just be part of pregnancy?
Pregnancy can cause swelling, but a new one-sided swelling with pain, tenderness, warmth or colour change should be checked promptly. It is not possible to distinguish a clot from other causes reliably at home.
Can I have a pulmonary embolism without leg swelling?
Yes. CDC notes that a PE can occur without DVT symptoms that you notice. Treat new chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing blood or fainting as an emergency.
Can I prevent a clot by taking aspirin?
Do not start aspirin or an anticoagulant for this purpose unless a clinician recommends it for your individual situation. Discuss movement, risk factors and any prescribed prevention plan with your maternity team.
Words you can use
Ask for assessment of possible DVT or PE
Contacting emergency or maternity care
“I am [pregnant at week / gave birth on date]. Since [time], I have [one-sided swelling or pain / chest pain / breathing difficulty / coughing blood / faintness]. The symptoms are [getting worse / stable]. I have [past or family clot history, if any]. Please arrange urgent assessment. I will call 112 now for chest or breathing symptoms.”
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Sources and publication record
Clinical sources checked 27 September 2026; medical and human Hindi editorial review pending · Sources checked .
- Understanding Your Risk for Blood Clots with PregnancyCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, United States
- Emergency Response Support System 112Ministry of Home Affairs