Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Checklist for thromboembolism prophylaxis after cesarean delivery
SMFM, CA Combs, Patient Safety and Quality Committee2020
Reaffirmed 2025
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of potentially preventable maternal death. 1 Cesarean delivery is associated with a 3- to 4-fold increased risk of developing VTE compared with vaginal delivery. 2 Routine postcesarean thromboprophylaxis can reduce the risk of maternal death from VTE. 3 The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) recently published guidelines for postcesarean thromboprophylaxis. 4 Here we summarize the SMFM guidelines in a convenient 1-page checklist (Box) to help providers select the appropriate method for postcesarean thromboprophylaxis.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of potentially preventable maternal death. 1 Cesarean delivery is associated with a 3- to 4-fold increased risk of developing VTE compared with vaginal delivery. 2 Routine postcesarean thromboprophylaxis can reduce the risk of maternal death from VTE. 3 The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) recently published guidelines for postcesarean thromboprophylaxis. 4 Here we summarize the SMFM guidelines in a convenient 1-page checklist (Box) to help providers select the appropriate method for postcesarean thromboprophylaxis.