Clinical Considerations on Anticoagulation Management in Cardiovascular Diseases During Pregnancy

Pregnancy-associated thrombosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. All anticoagulation options are associated with risks and benefits. Thus, although anticoagulation therapy is an important component of the management of thrombotic complications in pregnancy, it is associated with fetal and maternal complications. Therefore, pregnancy poses a serious therapeutic dilemma for both physicians and their patients. This review summarizes the available data on anticoagulation therapy for thromboembolic prophylaxis in pregnant women focusing on cardiovascular disorders, especially on treatment strategy in pregnant women with mechanical heart valves. (C) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.