International Journal of Advance Nursing Practice

Background: Pregnancy and the puerperium are associated with a markedly increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to physiological hypercoagulability, venous stasis, and endothelial changes. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is widely recommended for thromboprophylaxis in women at moderate to high risk of VTE because of its proven efficacy and favorable safety profile. Aim: To assess and compare the effectiveness of low-dose LMWH and intermediate-dose LMWH among peripartum mothers at risk of thromboembolism. Methods: A quantitative, comparative observational study was conducted among 100 peripartum mothers from 36 weeks of gestation to seven days postpartum. Participants were selected using convenient sampling and allocated into two groups: low-dose LMWH (n = 50) and intermediate-dose LMWH (n = 50). Data were collected using a structured tool comprising demographic and clinical variables, the Caprini Risk Assessment Model, and a clinical scoring system to evaluate efficacy and safety outcomes. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Most mothers were categorized as low to moderate risk for VTE. The mean efficacy score was higher in the intermediate-dose LMWH group (1.54 ± 0.639) compared to the low-dose group (1.40 ± 0.692), with a mean difference of 0.14, indicating better effectiveness with intermediate dosing. Conclusion: Intermediate-dose LMWH demonstrated superior efficacy compared to low-dose LMWH in preventing thromboembolic complications among peripartum mothers, supporting its use in women with elevated VTE risk.