Cleaning influencer Mrs Hinch, Sophie Hinchliffe, has revealed she spent this week in hospital after developing a post-partum blood clot – a clot that develops after giving birth. The cleaning and organising star who has made her name online, in books and on TV as well as with deals with major brands, had to visit two hospitals after feeling ill this week.
At the second, she was given a CT scan and diagnosed with a blood clot. Doctors went in through her veins to remove the potential obstruction, with Mrs Hinch saying she was very lucky she ‘trusted my gut’.
A postpartum blood clot, also known as postpartum venous thromboembolism (VTE), is a serious condition that can occur after childbirth. The two most common types are deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (a clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs) and pulmonary embolism (PE) (a clot that travels to the lungs).
According to the NHS, you can feel the symptoms in your leg—or in your arm or stomach if that is where the clot is. The clot can sometimes be treated with an injection of blood-thinning medication, but surgery is needed in more serious or urgent cases.
Recovery includes gentle exercise and keeping your legs raised – as well as avoiding flights.
Symptoms of a Postpartum Blood Clot
1. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Symptoms
A clot in the leg or pelvis can cause:
- Pain or tenderness (especially in one leg, often the calf or thigh)
- Swelling in the leg, ankle, or foot
- Red or bluish skin discolouration
- Warmth in the affected area
- Leg feeling heavy or achy
2. Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Symptoms (Emergency!)
If a blood clot travels to the lungs, it can be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain (sharp, worsens with deep breaths)
- Rapid heart rate
- Coughing up blood
- Feeling lightheaded or fainting
Risk Factors for Postpartum Blood Clots
- C-section delivery
- Prolonged bed rest or limited movement
- Obesity
- History of blood clots
- Preeclampsia or high blood pressure
- Smoking
- Excessive postpartum bleeding
If you have any symptoms of DVT or PE, seek medical help immediately. Blood clots can be deadly if untreated but can often be managed with anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication.