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The information in this leaflet is from guidelines which midwives and doctors use all the time. They are local and national guidelines and are produced from research. Your midwife or doctor can give you more information should you require it. If you have any questions about blood products and declining these, please speak to your midwife or doctor. More information is also available at www.rcog.org.uk
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback. If you need advice or are concerned about any aspect of care or treatment please speak to a member of staff or contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS): Freephone (City Hospital Campus): 0800 052 1195 Freephone (QMC Campus): 0800 183 0204 From a mobile or abroad: 0115 924 9924 ext 65412 or 62301 Minicom: 0800 183 0204 E-mail: pals@nuh.nhs.uk Letter: NUH NHS Trust, c/o PALS, Freepost NEA 14614, Nottingham NG7 1BR www.nuh.nhs.uk
This document can be provided in different languages and formats. For more information please contact: Maternity Department City Campus Hucknall Road Nottingham NG5 1PB Tel: 0115 969 1169 ext 55136 (24hours)
The Trust endeavours to ensure that the information given here is accurate and impartial.
Patient Information Group, Maternity Units November 2012. All rights reserved. Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Review November 2014. Ref: 0756/v3/1112/ JH.
Introduction
This leaflet is designed for pregnant women who wish to decline blood products or a blood transfusion during pregnancy or after childbirth. Blood transfusions are offered only if it is felt to be the most appropriate treatment. However, if you wish to decline blood products, alternative management options will be discussed with you before you go into labour. These include the treatment of anaemia, use of volume expanders, cell salvage and the use of Factor VII. For detailed information about blood transfusion, please refer to the leaflet produced by the National Blood Service Will I need a blood transfusion? For detailed information about Anti-D please refer to the leaflet produced by the Bio Products Laboratory: You, your baby and the RhD factor. You can get a copy of these leaflets from our antenatal clinics or from a community midwife.
To minimise the chance of heavy bleeding during labour you are advised to opt for active management to deliver the placenta (afterbirth). Your midwife or doctor will discuss this with you in more detail.