Potential Causes Of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a risk factor for blood clots and thus, deep vein thrombosis, that’s exclusive to women. A woman’s blood is more likely to clot during her pregnancy for a few reasons. One of these is because, in the later stages of pregnancy, the weight of the baby and the woman’s body puts more pressure on her legs and pelvis. This compresses the blood vessels in these areas and compromises blood flow!

Additionally, bed rest is common during pregnancy, and if women are placed on complete bed rest, the immobility increases the risk of blood clots similar to how a long flight and surgery recovery does. Finally, a woman’s blood clots much easier when she is pregnant simply because her body is preparing for labor. Clotting blood more easily helps lessen blood loss during the baby’s delivery!

Obesity

Carrying excess weight on the body is yet another risk factor for the development of deep vein thrombosis. Obesity does this in a couple of ways. Similar to pregnancy, those who are obese will have extra pressure put on their pelvis and legs because of the weight. As mentioned, the extra pressure compresses the blood vessels in these areas. This is particularly dangerous because DVT is more common in the legs, and the pressure increases the risk of blood clots starting in this area. Additionally, obesity is often connected to a reduced level of physical activity, which means people spend more time in bed or on the couch. Yet again, prolonged immobility increases the risk of DVT!