For which condition is an anticoagulant commonly prescribed to pregnant women?

The use of anticoagulants in pregnant women is primarily associated with the management of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a condition where blood clots form in deep veins, often in the legs, which can pose significant risks, including pulmonary embolism. During pregnancy, women are at increased risk for thrombosis due to hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and potential venous stasis from the growing uterus.

Anticoagulants, such as low molecular weight heparin or unfractionated heparin, are often prescribed to prevent the development of DVT or to treat existing clots. These medications are preferred during pregnancy because they do not cross the placenta and therefore have a lower risk of affecting the fetus compared to some other anticoagulants.

In contrast, other conditions listed—such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preterm labor—are generally managed with different types of medications or interventions rather than anticoagulants. For instance, gestational diabetes requires dietary management or insulin therapy; hypertension may be treated with specific antihypertensive medications; and preterm labor management might involve tocolytics or corticosteroids to assist fetal lung development.