Venous thromboembolism in pregnancy

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the developed world. The term includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Women are at least five times more likely to develop VTE during pregnancy compared to when they are not pregnant. The symptoms of acute VTE can be non-specific. Strategies should be put in place during the antenatal period to identify women at increased risk of thromboembolic disease. When an acute event thromboembolic is suspected in high risk women during pregnancy, therapy may be commenced empirically whilst investigations are commenced to confirm the diagnosis.