Which factor is commonly monitored in women at risk for thromboembolism during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, women at risk for thromboembolism are closely monitored for their coagulation status due to the physiological changes that occur in their blood coagulability. Pregnancy is known to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) because of hypercoagulability, venous stasis, and endothelial injury.

Monitoring coagulation status helps healthcare providers identify any abnormalities in clotting that may predispose a woman to conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Standard tests may include measuring levels of fibrinogen, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and other coagulation factors.

In contrast, blood glucose levels are monitored to assess for gestational diabetes, blood pressure is important for detecting conditions like preeclampsia, and fetal heart rate monitoring is critical for assessing fetal well-being but does not directly relate to thromboembolic risk factors. Thus, coagulation status remains the most relevant factor for assessing thromboembolism risk during pregnancy.