Venous Thromboembolism During Pregnancy and Postpartum: An Updated Review

Elmukhtar Habas¹, Eshrak Habas², Amnna Rayani³, Ala Habas², Khalid Alarbi⁴, Jamal Alfitori⁵, Aml Habas², Kalifa Farfar⁶, Almehdi Errayes⁵, Abdel-Naser Elzouki⁵.

Keywords: Venous thromboembolism (VTE), venous embolism, pregnancy, anticoagulation, Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

DOI: 10.63475/yjm.v4i1.0030

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.63475/yjm.v4i1.0030

Publish Date: 22-05-2025

Pages: 79 - 94

Views: 3

Downloads: 8

Author Affiliation:

1 Professor/Senior Consultant, Department of Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, Qatar University, Doha-Qatar, Open Libyan University, Libya
2 Resident, Department of Medicine, Tripoli Central Hospital, University of Tripoli, Tripoli-Libya 
3 Professor/Senior Consultant, Tripoli Children Hospital, Open Libyan University, Tripoli-Libya 
4 Specialist, Department of Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, Doha-Qatar 
5 Senior Consultant, Department of Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, Doha-Qata 
6 Consultant, Department of Medicine, Alwakra General Hospital, Alwakra-Qatar.

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious medical condition that has a high clinical burden on both the mother and fetus, despite having a low incidence during pregnancy and the postpartum period. VTE is a leading cause of death among pregnant women and new mothers worldwide, and its severity cannot be underestimated. The development of VTE is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, as well as acquired conditions. Pregnancy-related changes, such as increased levels of coagulation factors and diminished fibrinolysis, can increase the risk of VTE. Additionally, older mothers, those who are obese, multiparous, or have undergone cesarean delivery, are at a higher risk of developing VTE. Owing to the lack of standardized guidelines and reliable data on VTE prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, authorities have developed risk scores that allow for a personalized assessment of the risk of thrombosis during pregnancy and postpartum, enabling a tailored approach to prevent thrombosis. Managing VTE during pregnancy poses significant challenges because the benefits and risks of anticoagulant treatment for both the mother and fetus must be carefully balanced. An interdisciplinary approach that includes obstetricians, neonatologists, physicians, and hematologists is essential to achieving optimal outcomes. This review explored the VTE updates in pathogenesis, presentation, complications, treatment options, and research gaps with proposal strategies to improve VTE outcomes and suggest further research.