THROMBOEMBOLISM
The mediating factor is frequently endothelial injury from traumatic delivery or
cesarean section. In the postpartum period, the risk is increased fivefold.
Vascular stasis is the strongest predisposing factor, with decreased pelvic and
lower extremity blood flow. Enhanced blood coagulability in pregnancy is due to
increased factors II, VII, VIII, IX, and X. Risk is even more elevated if the
patient has coagulation protein deficiencies: antithrombin III, protein C, protein
S, and plasminogen.