Excess Risk for Venous Thromboembolism Persists Long After Delivery

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk may be elevated for as long as 3 months postpartum (NEJM JW Womens Health Feb 13 2014). To determine weekly incidence of postpartum clot, investigators analyzed claims data at the individual level in 2.5 million U.S. women (age range, 15–44 years) who delivered between 2005 and 2011.

VTE incidence was highest during the first week postpartum (9 per 10,000 women), dropped to 1 per 10,000 at 4 weeks postpartum, and fell steadily thereafter through the 12th week. Obstetric complications (e.g., cesarean delivery, preeclampsia, infection, hemorrhage) were all associated with increased risk for both early and late VTE.