Thromboembolism in the Obese Pregnant Woman

We sought to quantify the added risk of thromboembolism in the obese parturient, evaluate risk factors for thromboembolism in the obese parturient, and provide suggestions as to when and in what form thromboembolism prophylaxis should be considered. Although recent guidelines from national colleges and advisory groups have attempted to guide the clinician in thromboprophylaxis in the obese parturient, the lack of adequate prospective series and trials has lead to some contrary recommendations. The arbitrary use of bed rest in the obese patient is a significant risk factor for venous thromboembolism without proven benefit. Despite a paucity of gold standard evidence, the prevalence of obesity and its associated risk of venous thromboembolism warrants careful consideration for the use of thromboprophylaxis in the obese pregnant population. This is especially important in the presence of additional thromboembolism risk factors.