Clinical management of thromboembolic disorders in pregnancy.

Early diagnosis, treatment, and appropriate prophylaxis may prevent serious maternal sequelae of thromboembolism. Objective techniques for diagnosis should be used aggressively. Heparin is the preferred anticoagulant. Although the risks and benefits of prophylaxis are currently debated, it appears most prudent to consider subcutaneous heparin prophylaxis beginning in the first trimester.