When pregnant, women increase their likelihood of developing a condition known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which is the formation of a blood clot, and this is more likely to happen on the left side, researchers have found.
Researchers in Canada have cautioned doctors to beware of DVT occurrence during pregnancy, and more particularly its likelihood of occurring in the left leg of the pregnant women.
DVT occurs most commonly in the calf veins and this study sought to examine its incidence among pregnant women.
This was done so that diagnostic procedures such as X-rays, which harm the fetus, could be limited.
It is therefore suggested to doctors that they examine the area of the leg known as the iliofemoral system in order to detect the DVT in pregnant women.
The main symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis are changes in skin color of one leg (redness could be noted). The affected leg could feel warmer than the other and the skin could also feel warmer to the touch. There could be pain or tenderness experienced in the affected leg. It could also hurt to place your weight on the affected leg. Swelling or edema could also be experienced.
Source: HealthDay
