Doctors 'should be aware of increased embolism risk' in IVF mothers

Pregnant women are at higher risk of venous thromboembolism after in vitro fertilisation, particularly during the first trimester.

The risk of pulmonary embolism in women after in vitro fertilisation was increased almost sevenfold during the first trimester, although the absolute risk was low (two to three additional cases of pulmonary embolism per 10,000 pregnancies).

Pulmonary embolism is, however, an elusive condition that is difficult to diagnose and is a leading cause of maternal death. Our finding is therefore important to health professionals dealing with women who are recently pregnant after in vitro fertilisation.Doctors should be aware of these increased risks because the symptoms of pulmonary embolism can be insidious and the condition is potentially fatal.