Blood Clots After C-Section: Risks, Prevention & What to Expect

Question
Hello Doctor,
   I am having a C section in a couple of weeks. Although I have already had two, for some reason I am terrified of having a blood clot after the surgery. I was just wondering is this is a common occurrence, if you see this alot in your practice, and what are some ways to prevent them..  Thank You

Answer
Hi Megan,

It is rare to have a blood clot after a c-section but it is a possibility after any surgery. After a c-section, one place that clots can form is in the veins of the leg. This is called a deep venous thrombosis. These are more likely to occur in patients who are obese or who do not begin to move around soon after their surgery. It occurs in around 1 in 20 people. It also occurs more frequently in patients who have had a previous blood clot in their legs. You may be placed in thick stockings as a preventive measure. If you are at high risk for blood clots, you also may be given blood thinners prior to and after the cesarean section. There really isn't much you can do to prevent a blood clot other than movement. Good luck!