Home / Glossary Embolism By Motherly Editors April 2, 2024 Rectangle Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of EmbolismFAQs about Embolism and MotherhoodWhat is an embolism?Can embolism affect pregnancy?What are the symptoms of embolism during pregnancy?How can embolism be prevented during pregnancy?How is embolism treated during pregnancy?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Table of Contents Toggle DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of EmbolismFAQs about Embolism and MotherhoodWhat is an embolism?Can embolism affect pregnancy?What are the symptoms of embolism during pregnancy?How can embolism be prevented during pregnancy?How is embolism treated during pregnancy?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Definition An embolism, in general medical terminology, refers to a blockage or obstruction in a blood vessel caused by a blood clot or other foreign matter, such as air or fat, that has traveled through the bloodstream. The term isn’t exclusive to motherhood but can be relevant in pregnancy and postpartum periods due to increased risks of blood clots. Untreated, it can lead to significant complications including stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism. Key Takeaways Embolism in motherhood refers to a serious medical condition that can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth. It’s usually about blood clots forming in the vein system and traveling to other parts of the body, like the lungs. Pulmonary embolism and amniotic fluid embolism are two types embolism frequently associated with motherhood. Pulmonary embolism happens when blood clots travel to the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing, chest pain, and other severe symptoms. Amniotic fluid embolism, though rare, is very serious and occurs when amniotic fluid or fetal material enters the mother’s bloodstream. Emergency medical treatment is crucial as soon as symptoms occur. The risk of embolism can be reduced by leading a healthy lifestyle, regular exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and following all the doctor’s advice during pregnancy and after childbirth. Importance Embolism is a significant term in motherhood due to its potential effects on a pregnant woman and her baby. It refers to a blockage in an artery due to a blood clot or other foreign particle carried in the bloodstream—this can lead to dangerous conditions like stroke or lung disease if not promptly treated. In the context of motherhood, a critical form of embolism to be aware of is amniotic fluid embolism. This rare but serious condition occurs when amniotic fluid enters the mother’s bloodstream, possibly triggering a severe reaction that can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, understanding the term “embolism” and its relevance can be crucial for maternal health. Explanation Embolism in the context of motherhood often refers to the medical condition, specifically pregnancy-related embolism, which is considered a severe complication during pregnancy. Its purpose or occurrence, in a manner of speaking, is typically not on purpose at all, but a serious occurrence that can pose severe risks to both the mother and the baby’s health. Pregnancy increases the risk of embolism due to changes in the body like increased blood pressure and blood clotting, essential to limit the blood loss during delivery, becoming overactive. While it certainly isn’t purposed or useful in positive terms, understanding the concept of embolism can assist healthcare providers in observation and early detection, crucial to managing the condition and reducing associated risks. It can manifest as pulmonary embolism or amniotic fluid embolism, which occur when a blood clot or amniotic fluid, respectively, blocks blood vessels, disrupting normal blood flow. The anticipation is for healthcare providers to swiftly respond to embolism symptoms, thereby preventing potentially life-threatening consequences for the mother and child. Examples of Embolism The term “Embolism” refers to a medical condition where a blood clot, air bubble or a piece of fat or other material travels through the bloodstream and becomes lodged in a blood vessel, blocking blood flow. It’s not directly associated with the term “motherhood,” but can occur during or after pregnancy in certain situations. Here are three examples: Pregnancy and Postpartum Period: Pregnancy increases the risk of embolism due to increased blood volume and coagulation factors, hormonal changes and the mechanical effect of the gravid uterus on venous flow. For instance, a woman might develop a pulmonary embolism after childbirth due to prolonged bed rest or C-section delivery. Amniotic Fluid Embolism: This is a rare, but serious condition that occurs when amniotic fluid or fetal material enters the mother’s bloodstream, causing a severe reaction that includes sudden shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and altered mental status. This usually happens during labor or immediate postpartum period. Air Embolism: This is extremely rare but can theoretically occur during a caesarean section if air is accidentally introduced into the mother’s circulatory system. This can potentially lead to symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or death. FAQs about Embolism and Motherhood What is an embolism? An embolism is a blockage in one of the arteries caused by a blood clot or other foreign material. This can restrict the blood flow to major organs, potentially leading to severe complications. Can embolism affect pregnancy? Yes, embolism can affect pregnancy. Pregnant women have a higher risk of developing embolisms due to increased blood volume and reduced blood flow to the legs and pelvic area. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. What are the symptoms of embolism during pregnancy? Symptoms may vary depending on where the embolism occurs. Common symptoms include swelling, pain, or redness in the leg, chest pain, shortness of breath, or cough that produces bloody sputum. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. How can embolism be prevented during pregnancy? Regular exercise, staying hydrated, and wearing compression stockings can help prevent embolism during pregnancy. Avoid sitting or standing for extended periods. Your doctor may also prescribe blood-thinners if you have a high risk of developing embolism. How is embolism treated during pregnancy? Embolism is usually treated with anticoagulants to prevent further clotting. In severe cases, a procedure to remove or break up the clot may be required. It’s essential to get medical help as soon as possible because embolism can be life-threatening. Related Motherhood Terms Pulmonary Embolism Amniotic Fluid Embolism Venous Thromboembolism Blood Clot Anticoagulation Therapy Sources for More Information Mayo Clinic: This website provides expert health information, including detailed information about embolisms. WebMD: A trusted source for health information, offering comprehensive content on embolism. World Health Organization (WHO): An international body providing health-related data and advice, including information on embolism. NHS (National Health Service) UK: The UK’s national health service website which provides detailed, clinically validated information about embolism. Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of EmbolismFAQs about Embolism and MotherhoodWhat is an embolism?Can embolism affect pregnancy?What are the symptoms of embolism during pregnancy?How can embolism be prevented during pregnancy?How is embolism treated during pregnancy?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information More terms Squat bar April 3, 2024 Daycare Readiness February 26, 2024 Heartfelt Conversations February 26, 2024 Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) April 3, 2024 Humor In Parenting February 26, 2024