postpartum thromboembolism

Etiology

• low birth weight infant may increase risk (RR=3)

Complications

• women are hypercoagulable for the first 6-12 weeks postpartum

Management

• contraception (women not breast-feeding)
  • < 21 days postpartum:
    • do not use combined hormonal contraceptives due to increased risk for venous thromboembolism
  • 21-42 days postpartum:
    • if no other risk factors for venous thromboembolism, ok to start combined hormonal contraceptive
    • if other risk factors, do not
  • > 42 days postpartum: no restrictions
  • these guidelines may change
• intrauterine devices & implants offer highly effective reversible contraception without increasing clot risk

More general terms

• thromboembolism
• complications of the puerperium