What should be monitored when a pregnant woman is prescribed anticoagulants?

When a pregnant woman is prescribed anticoagulants, monitoring the risk of bleeding and the potential for thrombosis is essential due to the nature of these medications. Anticoagulants, such as heparin or warfarin, work by preventing blood clot formation, which can be critical in managing conditions such as venous thromboembolism. However, the main concern with these medications is the increased risk of bleeding, which can become significant, particularly with the challenges that pregnancy presents.

Additionally, while it is crucial to prevent thrombosis, which can lead to serious complications such as a pulmonary embolism, the anticoagulants must be balanced against the risk of excessive bleeding. This dual risk of bleeding against the backdrop of potential thrombosis necessitates vigilant monitoring to ensure the safety of both the mother and the developing fetus.

The other options do have some relevance in a broader context of pregnancy care but do not directly address the specific implications of anticoagulant therapy. For instance, heart rate and blood pressure might be monitored as part of general maternal health but are not specific to anticoagulant therapy. Fluid intake and output can be important for overall health, and fetal heart monitoring is essential but not directly related to the effects of anticoagulants. Thus,