Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to raise awareness of (a) the potentially fatal clotting conditions that may occur during pregnancy and (b) how early intervention can prevent fatal outcomes.
Midwives discuss venous thromboembolism (VTE) with all women during pregnancy, advising them if they are at increased risk, explaining the signs and symptoms and sources of advice. Women will often be provided with a printed or digital information leaflet and NHS.UK provides accessible advice and guidance, emphasising the urgency if they have any symptoms of a VTE.
Clinicians assess a woman's risk factors for VTE at the first antenatal appointment and following any hospital admission or significant health event during pregnancy. A referral to an obstetrician may be made if risk factors are present. Prophylactic treatment from early pregnancy is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence if the risk of thromboembolism is very high or later in pregnancy if the risk is lower.