[The risk of thrombo-embolism in pregnancy and in the post-partum period. A review of 28,828 pregnancies (author's transl)].

Looking through a retrospective study of 28,828 deliveries the authors have been able to work out the frequency of thrombo-embolic complications of pregnancy (1 per 1000) and of the post-partum (3.95 per 1000). It is possible to point to different risk factors. Some are well known, these are varicose veins, Caesarean section, maternal age above 35. Other factors that are usually considered to be aetiological now appear to be less significant. These are: a history of previous thrombo-embolic conditions and post-partum sterilization. To be added to the classic risk factors are inhibition of lactation which, whatever procedure is used, significantly raises the incidence of thrombo-embolic complications. It would seem to be desirable, in view of these different parameters, that a risk score should be drawn up which would allow for medical treatment to be given prophylactically in the patients who are particularly exposed to risk.