Does deep vein thrombosis in pregnancy cause leg pain and swelling in pregnancy?

Deep vein thrombosis is a clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg or pelvis. During pregnancy, changes in blood flow, hormones, and pressure from the growing uterus can make clots more likely. Symptoms can include aching, throbbing, tenderness, warmth, redness, or swelling. They often affect one leg, but symptoms can vary.

Leg swelling can also happen as a normal part of pregnancy, particularly when it develops gradually in both legs. Symptoms alone cannot confirm or exclude a clot. A maternity clinician or emergency service may arrange an examination and imaging, such as an ultrasound, to check the veins.

If you have new pain and swelling in one leg during pregnancy or after birth, contact your maternity unit, obstetric team, or an urgent medical service today. Tell them you are pregnant or recently gave birth, when the symptoms began, which leg is affected, and whether the skin feels warm or looks red.

Do not massage the painful leg or delay assessment to see whether it settles. If a clot is diagnosed, clinicians can prescribe pregnancy-compatible blood-thinning treatment and explain monitoring and follow-up. Take only medicines recommended by your maternity or medical team.

Call emergency services immediately for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting, collapse, or a fast or irregular heartbeat with feeling very unwell. These can indicate that a clot has travelled to the lungs. A sudden marked increase in swelling, severe headache, or vision changes in pregnancy also needs immediate maternity advice.

Ask: Could these symptoms be a clot or another pregnancy-related problem? Do I need an ultrasound today? Which pain relief is suitable for me? What symptoms should send me straight to emergency care? If treatment is needed, how will it fit around labour, delivery, or planned procedures?