Which laboratory test should be closely monitored in a pregnant patient receiving anticoagulant therapy?

Monitoring prothrombin time is crucial in a pregnant patient receiving anticoagulant therapy, particularly with medications such as warfarin. Prothrombin time measures the time it takes for blood to clot and is an important indicator of coagulation status. Anticoagulant therapy aims to decrease the risk of thrombosis but can also increase the risk of bleeding; thus, regular monitoring is necessary to adjust dosages appropriately and ensure that the patient remains within a therapeutic range that balances efficacy and safety.

In pregnancy, physiological changes can significantly affect coagulation and anticoagulation therapy. The hormonal changes and the increase in blood volume may alter the levels of clotting factors, which is why maintaining a close watch on prothrombin time helps in managing the risks effectively. This monitoring allows healthcare providers to prevent complications from both over-anticoagulation, which could lead to bleeding, and under-anticoagulation, which could lead to thrombotic events.

Other laboratory tests like thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, complete blood count, and blood glucose levels offer valuable information but are not directly linked to the monitoring of anticoagulant therapy. Thyroid function is not directly influenced by anticoagulants, while a complete blood count is more general and does