Talk to your GP or specialist haematology team if you’re planning to get pregnant as it may be helpful to discuss the possible risks and address any health concerns as well as reviewing medication before you try to get pregnant. If you did not plan your pregnancy, it’s important to let your specialist team know you are pregnant and self-refer to your local maternity service.
Bleeding and clotting disorders in pregnancy
Blood disorders are common conditions which can affect your pregnancy. These disorders include conditions affecting clotting , which can mean in increased risk of bleeding or an increased risk of having a blood clot. Other blood disorders affect your red blood cells (such as sickle cell or thalassaemia) or platelets (which help your body prevent bleeding). You may have a pre-existing blood disorder or be diagnosed with one during pregnancy. Changes to your body during pregnancy, childbirth and after birth can have different impacts depending on the blood condition you have.
If you have a blood disorder your midwife will refer you to an obstetrician (a doctor who specialises in pregnancy and birth). There may also be a haematologist and haematology nurse specialist involved in planning your care.
Further information and support
Thrombosis UK click here
Thrombosis UK support click here
Thrombosis and pregnancy (inc video on how to give Low Molecular Weight Heparin) click here
ITP in pregnancy: Platelets Disorder Support Association for people with ITP- pregnancy (click here)
Antiphospholipid Society and pregnancy Click here
TTP Click here
TTP and pregnancy Click Here
Beta Thalassaemia and pregnancy information (click here)
Thalassemia and pregnancy information- UK Thalassaemia Association Click here
The Haemophilia Society- pregnancy and birth- von Willebrand Disorder (click here)
- Bleeding disorders- pregnancy and childbirth (click here)
- Haemophilia- pregnancy and childbirth (click here)
Sickle cell and pregnancy information (click here)