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Patient Information

Know Your Clot Risk
Hospital risk factors for blood clots
Cancer related risk factors for blood clots
Early Pregnancy Blood Clot Risk Assessment Tool
Pregnancy risk factors for blood clots
Hormone therapies risk factors for blood clots

Understanding Blood Clots
Booklets & Fact Sheets
Patient Information Videos

Coping With Worry After A Clot

We’ve created a space to address anxiety and questions after a VTE diagnosis.

Self Advocacy

Self advocacy empowers people with Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) to take an active role in their care.

Patient Support Meetings

Join a supportive community to share experiences and receive encouragement.

Let's Talk Clots App

The app offers info on blood clots, risk reduction, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and recovery support.

Shared Accounts

Shared experiences from those affected offer support and raise awareness.

Educational Events

Join a compassionate community to connect, share experiences, and receive support.

Get Involved

See how you can get involved in our community through fundraising, volunteering, and much more.

Pregnancy Campaign

Pregnancy & Postpartum VTE Information for Patients

Pregnancy and VTE Information for Healthcare Professionals

Pregnancy & Postpartum VTE Awareness Campaign

Early Pregnancy Blood Clot Risk Assessment Tool
For health Professionals

Why VTE Matters

Find out about why VTE matters

Accredited Training & Resources
VTE E-Learning Platform
National Thrombosis Week Conference 2026
Educational Events
VTE Risk Assessment Tools
Patient Resources
Training and Learning Resources

VTE Guidelines & Publications

Guidelines and publications to educate on VTE

Research Opportunity & Updates
VTE Research Opportunities
Research Grants
Research Films

Network Support

Promoting knowledge-sharing, professional development, and collaboration among UK medical experts.

Early Pregnancy Blood Clot Risk-Assessment Tool

In consultation with NHS England, this questionnaire addresses VTE, the leading cause of pregnancy death.
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About Thrombosis UK

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See what you have helped us achieve over the years and what’s to come!

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National Thrombosis Week

National Thrombosis Week is Thrombosis UK’s annual awareness week, when we bring together patients and health care professionals.

Thrombosis UK VTE Awards

The VTE Awards celebrate pioneers excelling in VTE prevention, management, and patient care.

World Thrombosis Day

TBC

Pregnancy & Postpartum VTE Information for Patients

Understanding your risk of blood clots during and after pregnancy

Pregnancy and the weeks following birth increase the risk of developing a blood clot, also known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). VTE includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a clot usually found in the leg, and pulmonary embolism (PE), which occurs when a clot travels to the lungs. Although blood clots are uncommon, they can be serious if not recognised and treated promptly.

 

The risk of VTE is higher during pregnancy and is greatest in the first six weeks after giving birth. Certain factors, such as a previous blood clot, inherited clotting conditions, obesity, reduced mobility, Caesarean birth, or other medical conditions, can further increase this risk. Knowing the signs and symptoms of DVT and PE, attending all antenatal and postnatal appointments, and discussing any concerns with your healthcare team can help ensure that any risk is identified and managed early. If you are at increased risk, your healthcare professional may recommend preventative treatment to reduce the chance of a blood clot developing.

 

We appreciate this can be frightening to read but it is important to remember blood clots are uncommon and this section here is to support you. Early awareness, assessment and prevention can help keep you and your baby safe throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. Our Early Pregnancy Blood Clot Risk Assessment Questionnaire is here for you to use and discuss the findings with your healthcare professional.

Early Pregnancy BLOOD CLOt Risk Assessment

Did you know that blood clots are a major cause of death during and after pregnancy? This questionnaire is designed to find out if you are at high risk of having blood clots (known as venous thromboembolism or VTE) in early pregnancy.

Please click here to access the Early Pregnancy Blood Clot Risk Assessment Tool

Click here

Risks

You may have a higher risk if you:

  • Have had a blood clot before
  • Have a close family member who has had a blood clot
  • Have a condition that makes your blood clot more easily (this is called a clotting condition or thrombophilia)
  • Are very overweight (BMI over 50)
  • Have certain other health conditions, such as lupus
  • Severe nausea and vomiting (if pregnant)

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may include

  • Unexplained pain, tenderness or swelling in one or both legs,
  • Occasionally reddish/blue skin discolouration in one or both legs
  • If thrombosis affects the thigh veins (common in pregnancy), the whole leg may be swollen
  • The area may be warm to touch
  • In pregnancy, clots often start with pain in the groin

Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism (PE) may include:

  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Unexplained breathlessness (for example, when doing something you can usually do normally without becoming breathless)
  • Chest pain that can be sharp or stabbing and may get worse with deep breaths
  • A rapid heart rate
  • Unexplained cough, sometimes with blood-streaked mucus
  • Sudden collapse

If you experience any of these symptoms seek urgent medical advice or 999 emergency help.

What you can do to help prevent a blood clot

Pregnancy makes clots more likely for everyone. Taking simple steps can lower this risk. For women with a higher risk, extra prevention may be needed, such as medicine.

 

Things you can do…

  • Keep moving. Walk around often, and do not sit or lie still for too long
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Move your legs and feet if you are sitting for a long time, such as on a long journey
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing
  • Try to maintain a healthy weight by eating a healthy, balanced diet.
  • Make sure your healthcare team is aware of any preexisting health conditions.
From a Pregnant Patient 1

Pregnancy Leaflets to support you

Mechanical Heart Valves During Pregnancy
Fact Sheet
Mechanical Heart Valves During Pregnancy
Read

More pregnancy leaflets can be found here

Click here
From a Pregnant Patient 2

Support for you

You are not alone. Thrombosis UK offers a range of support.

Let's Talk Clots App - Pregnancy and Postpartum Chat

The Let’s Talk Clot App provides pregnancy‑focused guidance on managing and recovering from blood clots, including coping with symptoms, anxiety, and safely returning to daily activities. There is a Pregnancy and Postpartum section within our Public Chat on the app.

Download our FREE app today!

Lets talk clots app qr code and link to app store
Lets talk clots app qr code and link to google play store

Online Patient Support Meetings

Our monthly Patient Support Meetings provide information, reassurance and support while encouraging discussion and sharing of experiences with others in similar situations. These meetings are facilitated by a member of the Thrombosis UK team and are non clinical sessions. We cannot answer individual medical queries but can offer support and information. There is no pressure to speak or share and the meetings are also open to family and friends of the individual who has experienced a clot. We look forward to welcoming you at our group.

Click here for more information and to register

Thrombosis UK Closed Facebook Group

Our Thrombosis UK Closed Facebook Group is a safe space for you to connect and meet others who have experienced a blood clot. This group is open to any adult living in the UK including family and friends.

Click here to join

Have you experienced a blood clot during pregnancy or after giving birth?

We are looking for individuals who would be willing to share their experience of a blood clot during pregnancy or the postpartum period.

 

Your story could help raise awareness and support others by being featured on our website or as part of a filmed patient story.

 

If you would be interested in sharing your experience, please contact us at [email protected]

 

Thank you for helping us make a difference.

MBRRACE-UK Saving Lives, Improving Mothers' Care annual report

The 2025 MBRRACE-UK Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care annual report published on the 11th September 2025.

Please click here to access the MBRRACE-UK Report

Click here
Thrombosis UK VTE Awards
Application form

Applications are accepted on the basis that Thrombosis UK can share the content with external judges who will assist us with assessments. Service models, resources and working processes of successful Thrombosis UK VTE Award winners will be uploaded to the Thrombosis UK website and shared via publications, social media, and other opportunities.

When completing your application form, you should use lay language and answer each question in a concise manner. 

Please keep to any word limits given.

All sections need to be completed, if any section is removed, omitted or incomplete, we cannot process the application.

Applications need to be submitted via email to: [email protected] You will receive a notification of receipt within 48 hours of submission. If you do not receive a notification, please email [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 1st February 2025

We are unable to consider late applications.

Category
Thrombosis UK Award deep vein thrombosis (DVT) pathway award for leading to improved timely diagnosis of thrombosis
Please note there is a separate application form for each category.
DATA PROTECTION

Thrombosis UK has a strict data protection policy that complies with UK data protection law.

Your name and contact details may be stored for up to 12 months in order for correspondence relating to your application be appropriately processed.

 

We wish to make you aware that your name and contact details, as included on your completed application form, will be viewed by the Thrombosis UK appointed Judging Panel solely for the purpose of reviewing and assessing your completed application.  If your nomination is short listed, a representative from Thrombosis UK will then seek your permission to include your name on the summary paragraph included in the awards brochure and on the Thrombosis UK website.

Thrombosis UK takes security and confidentiality very seriously. Your name and contact details will never be passed or shared with any third party or an unauthorised individual. If you have any queries, please contact: [email protected]

Thrombosis UK VTE Awards
Application form

Applications are accepted on the basis that Thrombosis UK can share the content with external judges who will assist us with assessments. Service models, resources and working processes of successful Thrombosis UK VTE Award winners will be uploaded to the Thrombosis UK website and shared via publications, social media, and other opportunities.

When completing your application form, you should use lay language and answer each question in a concise manner. 

Please keep to any word limits given.

All sections need to be completed, if any section is removed, omitted or incomplete, we cannot process the application.

Applications need to be submitted via email to: [email protected] You will receive a notification of receipt within 48 hours of submission. If you do not receive a notification, please email [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 1st February 2025

We are unable to consider late applications.

Category
Thrombosis UK Award for an excellent Quality Improvement programme that advanced practice in thrombosis prevention or management.
Please note there is a separate application form for each category.
DATA PROTECTION

Thrombosis UK has a strict data protection policy that complies with UK data protection law.

Your name and contact details may be stored for up to 12 months in order for correspondence relating to your application be appropriately processed.

 

We wish to make you aware that your name and contact details, as included on your completed application form, will be viewed by the Thrombosis UK appointed Judging Panel solely for the purpose of reviewing and assessing your completed application.  If your nomination is short listed, a representative from Thrombosis UK will then seek your permission to include your name on the summary paragraph included in the awards brochure and on the Thrombosis UK website.

Thrombosis UK takes security and confidentiality very seriously. Your name and contact details will never be passed or shared with any third party or an unauthorised individual. If you have any queries, please contact: [email protected]

Thrombosis UK VTE Awards
Application form

Applications are accepted on the basis that Thrombosis UK can share the content with external judges who will assist us with assessments. Service models, resources and working processes of successful Thrombosis UK VTE Award winners will be uploaded to the Thrombosis UK website and shared via publications, social media, and other opportunities.

When completing your application form, you should use lay language and answer each question in a concise manner. 

Please keep to any word limits given.

All sections need to be completed, if any section is removed, omitted or incomplete, we cannot process the application.

Applications need to be submitted via email to: [email protected] You will receive a notification of receipt within 48 hours of submission. If you do not receive a notification, please email [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 1st February 2025

We are unable to consider late applications.

Category
Thrombosis UK Award for outstanding patient resource, sharing information. about VTE prevention for patients and carers
Please note there is a separate application form for each category.
DATA PROTECTION

Thrombosis UK has a strict data protection policy that complies with UK data protection law.

Your name and contact details may be stored for up to 12 months in order for correspondence relating to your application be appropriately processed.

 

We wish to make you aware that your name and contact details, as included on your completed application form, will be viewed by the Thrombosis UK appointed Judging Panel solely for the purpose of reviewing and assessing your completed application.  If your nomination is short listed, a representative from Thrombosis UK will then seek your permission to include your name on the summary paragraph included in the awards brochure and on the Thrombosis UK website.

Thrombosis UK takes security and confidentiality very seriously. Your name and contact details will never be passed or shared with any third party or an unauthorised individual. If you have any queries, please contact: [email protected]

Thrombosis UK VTE Awards
Application form

Applications are accepted on the basis that Thrombosis UK can share the content with external judges who will assist us with assessments. Service models, resources and working processes of successful Thrombosis UK VTE Award winners will be uploaded to the Thrombosis UK website and shared via publications, social media, and other opportunities.

When completing your application form, you should use lay language and answer each question in a concise manner. 

Please keep to any word limits given.

All sections need to be completed, if any section is removed, omitted or incomplete, we cannot process the application.

Applications need to be submitted via email to: [email protected] You will receive a notification of receipt within 48 hours of submission. If you do not receive a notification, please email [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 1st February 2025

We are unable to consider late applications.

Category
Thrombosis UK Award for Enhancing Patient Experience
Please note there is a separate application form for each category.
DATA PROTECTION

Thrombosis UK has a strict data protection policy that complies with UK data protection law.

Your name and contact details may be stored for up to 12 months in order for correspondence relating to your application be appropriately processed.

 

We wish to make you aware that your name and contact details, as included on your completed application form, will be viewed by the Thrombosis UK appointed Judging Panel solely for the purpose of reviewing and assessing your completed application.  If your nomination is short listed, a representative from Thrombosis UK will then seek your permission to include your name on the summary paragraph included in the awards brochure and on the Thrombosis UK website.

Thrombosis UK takes security and confidentiality very seriously. Your name and contact details will never be passed or shared with any third party or an unauthorised individual. If you have any queries, please contact: [email protected]

Thrombosis UK VTE Awards
Application form

Applications are accepted on the basis that Thrombosis UK can share the content with external judges who will assist us with assessments. Service models, resources and working processes of successful Thrombosis UK VTE Award winners will be uploaded to the Thrombosis UK website and shared via publications, social media, and other opportunities.

When completing your application form, you should use lay language and answer each question in a concise manner. 

Please keep to any word limits given.

All sections need to be completed, if any section is removed, omitted or incomplete, we cannot process the application.

Applications need to be submitted via email to: [email protected] You will receive a notification of receipt within 48 hours of submission. If you do not receive a notification, please email [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 1st February 2025

We are unable to consider late applications.

Category
Thrombosis UK Award for advancing awareness and information sharing of cancer acquired thrombosis (CAT)
Please note there is a separate application form for each category.
DATA PROTECTION

Thrombosis UK has a strict data protection policy that complies with UK data protection law.

Your name and contact details may be stored for up to 12 months in order for correspondence relating to your application be appropriately processed.

 

We wish to make you aware that your name and contact details, as included on your completed application form, will be viewed by the Thrombosis UK appointed Judging Panel solely for the purpose of reviewing and assessing your completed application.  If your nomination is short listed, a representative from Thrombosis UK will then seek your permission to include your name on the summary paragraph included in the awards brochure and on the Thrombosis UK website.

Thrombosis UK takes security and confidentiality very seriously. Your name and contact details will never be passed or shared with any third party or an unauthorised individual. If you have any queries, please contact: [email protected]

Thrombosis UK VTE Awards
Application form

Applications are accepted on the basis that Thrombosis UK can share the content with external judges who will assist us with assessments. Service models, resources and working processes of successful Thrombosis UK VTE Award winners will be uploaded to the Thrombosis UK website and shared via publications, social media, and other opportunities.

When completing your application form, you should use lay language and answer each question in a concise manner. 

Please keep to any word limits given.

All sections need to be completed, if any section is removed, omitted or incomplete, we cannot process the application.

Applications need to be submitted via email to: [email protected] You will receive a notification of receipt within 48 hours of submission. If you do not receive a notification, please email [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 1st February 2025

We are unable to consider late applications.

Category
Thrombosis UK Award for work in VTE Prevention
Please note there is a separate application form for each category.
DATA PROTECTION

Thrombosis UK has a strict data protection policy that complies with UK data protection law.

Your name and contact details may be stored for up to 12 months in order for correspondence relating to your application be appropriately processed.

 

We wish to make you aware that your name and contact details, as included on your completed application form, will be viewed by the Thrombosis UK appointed Judging Panel solely for the purpose of reviewing and assessing your completed application.  If your nomination is short listed, a representative from Thrombosis UK will then seek your permission to include your name on the summary paragraph included in the awards brochure and on the Thrombosis UK website.

Thrombosis UK takes security and confidentiality very seriously. Your name and contact details will never be passed or shared with any third party or an unauthorised individual. If you have any queries, please contact: [email protected]

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