The risk of blood clots is particularly high for pregnant women and new mums. — dpa
Pregnancy might feel like a time of tenderness, and yet, pregnant women should make sure they stay active, as this is the key to preventing thrombosis, a common problem for expectant mothers.
The risk of thrombosis among pregnant women is six times higher than among other women.
Women who have recently given birth are also at increased risk during the first six weeks post-delivery, which is why this recommendation also applies to them.
The reason for the increased risk is that during pregnancy and in the time after, the body produces more thrombin, an enzyme for blood-clotting.
"What is enormously important for closing a wound is, however, also life-threatening as a clot inside a vein," says gynaecologist Dr Muneer Mansour from the Ameos St Clemens Clinic in Oberhausen, Germany.
A clot can block a blood vessel and prevent blood flow.
Light exercise can prevent this, however.
"The best kind of exercise is in water," he says, as the water pressure acts like a slight compression of the veins.
Special yoga for expectant mothers, walking and dancing also have a preventive effect.
If you prefer to lie on the sofa instead of doing sports, the doctor recommends lying on the left side of the body: "This relieves the pressure on the great vena cava."
If you put your legs up, it is best to do so at a 90° angle.
To reduce the risk of thrombosis, it's also important to drink plenty of water. – dpa
