ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Hypercoagulability in pregnancy

When a woman is pregnant, her body has to work extra hard to make sure the baby is growing properly. This means that her blood has to do more work too. Sometimes, the blood can become "thick" or "sticky", which can cause clots to form too easily.

These clots can be dangerous because they can block blood flow to important parts of the body, like the lungs or brain. This is called hypercoagulability - which is just a fancy way of saying the blood is more likely to clot.

To help prevent this from happening, doctors may recommend things like exercise, drinking plenty of water, and taking medications that can help thin the blood. It's important to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble, like swelling in the legs or shortness of breath, and let your doctor know right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

By taking good care of yourself and following your doctor's advice, you can stay healthy and make sure your baby stays healthy too!