Which of the following is considered a minor risk factor for venous thromboembolism during the postpartum period?

The choice of preeclampsia as a minor risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE) during the postpartum period aligns with current clinical understanding of risk stratification related to VTE. Preeclampsia is primarily a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that can lead to various complications, including the potential for coagulopathy, but its direct association with VTE is not as pronounced as with other factors. Essentially, while it may increase the general risk for complications postpartum, its classification here as a minor risk reflects that it is not a primary driver for VTE as compared to the other factors listed.

In contrast, obesity is considered a significant risk factor for VTE due to its association with increased venous stasis and hypercoagulability. A history of deep vein thrombosis is a well-known major risk factor, as previous thromboembolic events dramatically increase the likelihood of recurrence. Cigarette smoking also increases the risk of VTE due to its effects on vascular health and clotting factors, making it a more prominent risk factor as well.

Understanding the relative weight of these risk factors is crucial in assessing the likelihood of VTE in postpartum patients, where careful monitoring and preventative strategies are important in patient care management.