Prophylaxis of pulmonary embolism in pregnancy and puerperium

Abstract

Summary Pulmonary embolism is the main cause of death of pregnant women in developed countries. An increased prothrombotic activity is observed during pregnancy. Moreover, the risk of venous thromboembolic disease can be elevated in cases of inherited thrombophilia, antiphospholipid syndrome or previous venous thormboembolic events. According to presented guidelines of The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and The American College of Chest Physicians, the risk stratification of venous thromboembolic disease during pregnancy and puerperium is a vital condition and proper antithrombotic prophylaxis should be implemented.