Pregnancy-Associated Venous Thromboembolism

One of the leading causes of maternal death in the United States is venous thromboembolism (VTE), which is influenced by acquired, genetic, and environmental factors. Pregnancy-associated physiological changes that exhibit the characteristics of Virchow’s triad: reduced fibrinolysis, increased coagulation factors, trauma, and venous stasis all raise the risk of VTE. Furthermore, multiple gestations, advanced maternal age, cesarean delivery, and obesity are all pregnancy-associated risk factors that also increase the risk of VTE. Management of VTE during pregnancy can be challenging due to the risks and benefits of anticoagulant therapy and potential hazard for both the fetus and the mother. In this review, we discuss the prevalence, pathogenesis, predisposing factors, and therapeutic options such as systemic thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, and catheter-directed thrombolysis.