Hormonal Changes and Pregnancy
You can also be at risk for pulmonary embolism if you are pregnant. The changes in hormones of a woman’s body can cause the blood to clot easier. The fetus in the uterus can also press against the veins, which will restrict blood flow back to the heart. According to a study on pulmonary embolism victims, pregnant women have a 10% higher chance of getting a blood clot than women who aren’t pregnant. If she has complications during delivery, and her veins are damaged, a pregnant woman is at a greater risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. A woman who has a cesarean delivery and stays in bed for an extended period of time is at a greater risk of developing pulmonary embolism. It is important to keep the legs moving when a person has to be on bed rest following a surgery, or is recovering from another condition. The movement of your legs will help to increase blood circulation, and stop the blood from becoming stagnant. This can lead to blood clots forming in the affected area.