Severe leg pain in a new mother was traced to twenty deep vein blood clots that formed after a cesarean section, according to a report in the Daily Mail. The incident highlights how postpartum complications can escalate quickly and why timely evaluation matters.
Starla Ellis, a 30-year-old from Ohio, welcomed a baby weighing about five kilograms. The birth required an emergency cesarean because the baby became wedged in the birth canal. After discharge from the hospital, Starla began experiencing intense pain in her lower back that gradually spread to the abdomen and the right leg. At first, the mother attributed the discomfort to typical postpartum soreness, but the pain intensified to the point where routine activities became difficult. Seeking medical care, she received treatment aimed at dissolving or preventing blood clots and was sent home with instructions to monitor her symptoms.
Two days later, during a follow-up visit at a different clinic, ultrasound imaging of the leg veins revealed twenty blood clots. Surgeons intervened to remove the clots, showing the patient photographs as part of the postoperative explanation. The initial hospital discharge was found to have left the patient in a potentially dangerous condition. Starla urged others to pursue a second medical opinion if there is any doubt about a clinician’s assessment.
Medical teams treating Starla believe the clots likely arose from complications associated with the cesarean delivery. Pregnancy itself also increases venous pressure in the legs and pelvis, which heightens the risk of clot formation. Recognizing the warning signs early can be crucial in preventing serious outcomes.
A separate note from the report mentioned a doctor remarking that new or unusual back pain may, in some contexts, be linked to underlying health concerns. While this comment referred to a different medical issue, it underscores the importance of clear communication between patients and clinicians when evaluating persistent pain after childbirth.