VTE in Pregnancy

Patient experience of pregnancy-related venous thrombosis: A phenomenological study

“…Despite all having good physical health outcomes, the women in this study found PRVTE an overwhelmingly negative experience, fraught with stress and anxiety. This supports the notion proposed by Goldhaber [24] that HCPs have focused heavily on the physical effects of VTE and largely ignored the emotional burden. This is particularly relevant for women with PRVTE as a clear correlation exists between maternal stress and adverse pregnancy outcomes [25].…”

“…This study has shown that the experience of PRVTE is negative for women, with challenges around establishing a diagnosis, treatment with injections, anticoagulation management around the birth, fear of recurrence and implications for future pregnancies. A decade after Goldhaber [24] highlighted the tendency by HCPs to focus on the physical over psychological symptoms created by VTE, advancements are still needed in this area. HCPs can help support women through the experience with a stronger focus on the psychological effects of VTE, by providing clear information specific to pregnant and post-partum women and by ensuring effective diagnostic and treatment pathways are in place.…”