Alice, from England, shares her blood clot experience following the birth of her son, underscoring the connection between blood clots and pregnancy.
At five weeks following the birth of my son, I developed a headache. Initially I thought nothing of it, assuming it was probably just “new parent” fatigue. Throughout the evening and into the night, the severity of my headache increased. The pain increased to the point that it developed into what I thought was my first-ever migraine. I took several strong painkillers but nothing was touching it. Overnight I struggled to sleep. I spent the vast majority of the following day in bed, still trying to sleep it off. Looking back, I remember being very clumsy with my right side. Today, I now know this was a sign that something more serious was wrong.
Emergency Care
The day rolled into another night. I hoped that the following day I would be back to normal. Unfortunately, when I woke up the next morning it was clear that instead of feeling better, things were worse. Struggling to use my right side, I needed help from my husband to get out of bed and down the stairs. We decided to call for emergency help and transportation. But, by this point I could no longer raise both hands above my head. I couldn’t stand or move my right side independently. It became apparent that it would be quicker to go into A&E (hospital emergency department) ourselves.
Diagnosis
When we arrived, I was seen quickly and admitted for an MRI. When the doctors returned, I was told that I had a cerebral venous thrombosis (a blood clot on my brain). I was informed that the most likely cause was my pregnancy. I was later admitted to the Stroke Ward where I stayed for around two weeks. During my time in hospital, I had two seizures and for the first five days remained paralysed down my right side. I was put onto anti-seizure medication and blood thinners or anticoagulants. On day six of my hospital stay, I started to regain control of my fingers and toes, which was a very exciting moment. From that point on, I received daily physio and my physical recovery was fortunately rapid. I was discharged earlier than anticipated just in time for my first Mother’s Day with my little boy.
Since my discharge I have had many ups and downs. I have found it particularly challenging to overcome some of the mental stresses I have faced, including night terrors and extreme panic attacks. However, I feel so fortunate to be where I am today and am now experiencing many more good days than bad. I know that my recovery will take time and patience but when I look back to where I was just a few months ago I know that I have come such a long way.
Speak Up and Advocate for Yourself
I recently came across my post-labour discharge notes, where I noticed the words “risk of thrombosis.” In fairness, I was discharged from hospital with a ten-day supply of anticoagulant injections after my spinal anesthesia, however no one ever spoke to me about the risk for clots or signs to look out for. I would urge new mothers to ensure that they have read their discharge notes, speak up if they have any concerns, and ensure that they know the signs and symptoms of blood clots.
More Resources
Read more about the clotting risks connected to women’s health, including pregnancy.
Check out this short video about the risks factors for dangerous blood clots.
Share your story for publication on the Rowan Foundation’s website and social media channels here.
