Systemic Thromboembolism in Pregnancy: Thromboprophylaxis

Venous thromboembolism is a significant cause of maternal death in the UK, despite being a preventable condition for which clear risk factors have been identified. The introduction of routine antenatal and postnatal thromboprophylaxis for women identified by risk assessment tools has been linked to a steady reduction in the number of deaths. This chapter discusses the risk factors for the development of thromboembolism as well as the options for prophylactic intervention, and the specific clinical situations which can alter the treatment advice.