Venous Thrombosis And Phlebitis In Pregnancy Treatment in India

Aadya Khan, a 28-year-old first-time mother...

Aadya Khan, a 28-year-old first-time mother and elementary school teacher, was 22 weeks pregnant. She had a history of varicose veins but was otherwise healthy. Around 20 weeks, she began experiencing a persistent, cramping ache and a feeling of heaviness in her left leg, which she initially attributed to normal pregnancy swelling. The discomfort worsened, and she noticed a warm, red, tender cord-like vein running up her inner thigh. Her calf became swollen and tight. Her obstetrician, concerned about a possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT), immediately sent her for a Doppler ultrasound, which confirmed a superficial venous thrombosis (phlebitis) extending dangerously close to the deep vein system. The doctor recommended immediate treatment with therapeutic doses of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) injections to prevent the clot from propagating or becoming a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Aadya was terrified; the thought of daily injections for the remainder of her pregnancy and postpartum period was daunting, and she feared for her baby's safety. The nurse taught her how to self-administer the injections in her abdomen, which was emotionally and physically challenging. Over time, it became a routine part of her morning. The treatment experience was successful; her pain and swelling subsided within a week, and follow-up scans showed the clot stabilizing and then resolving. She delivered a healthy baby boy at 39 weeks, continuing her injections for six weeks postpartum. Emotionally, Aadya journeyed from fear and anxiety, feeling her body was betraying her during a special time, to a sense of resilience and empowerment. Managing her condition successfully made her feel strong and proactive in protecting both herself and her baby, though she remained cautiously vigilant throughout.