Understanding Thrombus: Causes, Risks & Management

A thrombus, commonly known as a blood clot, is a solid mass of blood components such as platelets, fibrin, and red blood cells that form inside blood vessels. While clotting is a natural process that prevents excessive bleeding after an injury, abnormal clot formation within the veins or arteries can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

At Aashakiran IVF Pvt. Ltd. – North India’s most trusted and fastest-growing IVF chain, our team of experts including Dr. Asmita Mahla (Medical Director, 20+ years experience), Dr. Jagjit Singh (Executive Director), and our specialized gynecology & fertility doctors ensure thorough care, especially for women at higher risk of thrombus during pregnancy or fertility treatments.

🩸 What is a Thrombus?

A thrombus is a stationary blood clot that forms inside a blood vessel. If it dislodges and travels through the bloodstream, it becomes an embolus, which can block blood flow to vital organs like the lungs, heart, or brain.

🔎 Types of Thrombus

Venous Thrombus (Deep Vein Thrombosis – DVT)
- Forms in deep veins, usually in the legs.
- Risk of breaking off and causing pulmonary embolism (PE).
Arterial Thrombus
- Forms in arteries, restricting oxygen-rich blood flow.
- Can lead to stroke, heart attack, or limb ischemia.

⚠️ Causes and Risk Factors

Several conditions increase the risk of thrombus formation:

Prolonged immobility (bed rest, long flights).
Pregnancy & postpartum period (higher estrogen and blood clotting factors).
IVF treatments & hormonal therapies (increased estrogen exposure).
Obesity, smoking, and dehydration.
Medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or genetic clotting disorders.
Previous history of clotting events.

🩺 Symptoms of Thrombus

Swelling, pain, and tenderness (usually in the leg).
Warmth and redness over the affected area.
Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain (sign of pulmonary embolism).
Numbness, weakness, or slurred speech (possible stroke from arterial clot).

⚠️ Emergency Alert: If you experience sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of stroke, seek immediate medical care.

🧪 Diagnosis of Thrombus

Doctors at Aashakiran IVF may use the following tests for accurate diagnosis:

Doppler ultrasound for vein imaging.
Blood test (D-dimer) to check clotting activity.
CT scan or MRI for suspected embolism.
Venography or angiography for detailed vascular imaging.

💊 Treatment and Management

Treatment depends on the type and severity of thrombus:

Medications
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners) like heparin or warfarin.
- Thrombolytic therapy (clot-busting drugs).
Lifestyle & Supportive Care
- Regular exercise and hydration.
- Compression stockings to improve circulation.
- Avoiding long periods of inactivity.
Surgical Options (in severe cases)
- Thrombectomy – surgical removal of clot.
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter to prevent clots from reaching the lungs.

👶 Thrombus in Pregnancy & IVF

Women undergoing IVF treatment or pregnancy are at a higher risk of thrombus due to:

Increased estrogen levels.
Restricted mobility during high-risk pregnancy.
Genetic clotting tendencies.

At Aashakiran IVF, we ensure:

Screening for clotting disorders before IVF.
Close monitoring during pregnancy.
Preventive blood-thinning therapies for high-risk patients.

✅ Preventing Thrombus

Stay active and avoid sitting for long hours.
Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Stop smoking and limit alcohol.
Regular check-ups during pregnancy or fertility treatments.

❓ FAQs on Thrombus

Q1. Can a thrombus go away on its own?
Small clots may dissolve naturally, but medical monitoring is essential to prevent complications.

Q2. How dangerous is a thrombus during pregnancy?
It can increase the risk of complications like miscarriage, preeclampsia, or pulmonary embolism. That’s why specialized care at IVF centers like Aashakiran IVF is crucial.

Q3. Is DVT the same as a thrombus?
DVT is a type of thrombus that forms in the deep veins, usually in the legs.

💜 Aashakiran IVF – Comprehensive Care Beyond Fertility

At Aashakiran IVF Pvt. Ltd., our expert doctors not only specialize in fertility but also provide advanced care for pregnancy-related complications, including thrombus management. With 24×7 emergency support, high-risk obstetrics, and a dedicated NICU, we ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

📍 Visit us at Kharar | Ludhiana | Amritsar | Bathinda
📞 Call: 872-8080-222 for appointments
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🌐 Learn more: www.aashakiranivf.com