Leeds Rainbow Clinic

Hello and congratulations on your pregnancy. 

Being pregnant again after experiencing baby loss can feel quite daunting and you and your family may feel like you are on an emotional rollercoaster, which can be difficult for you to manage. Such feelings can range from fear and anxiety to having a sense of intense joy and emotional healing, all of which can be perfectly normal.

We have created this leaflet with information about the Rainbow clinic which you are invited to attend.

What is the Rainbow clinic?

The Rainbow clinic is a specialist Consultant led clinic for anyone who is pregnant after sadly having had a stillbirth or early neonatal death.

Why have I been asked to attend the Rainbow clinic?

The Rainbow clinic offers enhanced antenatal care if you have had a stillbirth or neonatal death. This will be run by a Consultant Obstetrician and a Bereavement Midwife. 

At every appointment you will be offered an ultrasound scan to check your babyís growth and the function of your baby’s placenta.

You will also receive psychological and emotional support and we will create a safe space for you and your partner to talk about how you are feeling.

The care you’ll receive from the Rainbow clinic does not replace your routine antenatal care, so it is essential that you continue to attend all your routine appointments with your Community Midwife.

How often will I be seen and what can I expect at my appointment?

The care you receive from the Rainbow clinic will depend on your individual needs. Therefore to ensure you receive the right care, we will ask you about your medical history, your previous pregnancies and discuss any tests that you may have had after your previous baby sadly died.

We will offer you a reassurance scan around 7-8 weeks of pregnancy. You will then have your 12 week scan and 20 week scan in the main ultrasound department at the hospital that is providing your care.

We will then see you back in the Rainbow clinic at around 22-23 weeks of your pregnancy, where you will be offered another ultrasound scan to check your baby’s growth and development. We will also look at your placenta and measure the blood flow in the cord between you and your baby. We will then continue to offer you a scan every 4-6 weeks for the rest of your pregnancy, or more frequently if indicated.

What is the evidence regarding taking Aspirin?

Most people who become pregnant after experiencing baby loss are advised to start taking 150mg Aspirin (two 75mg tablets) to be taken at night-time once they have had their reassurance scan.

Research suggests that taking Aspirin in pregnancy may help to improve the blood flow between you and your baby through your placenta. We recommend Aspirin is started before the 16th week of pregnancy.

If you need any more information about taking Aspirin, please ask at your first Rainbow clinic appointment, or speak to your Community Midwife.

Where is the Rainbow Clinic?

The Rainbow clinic is held every Monday morning in the Fetal Medicine department in Antenatal Clinic which is in Clarendon Wing at the Leeds General Infirmary.

What should I do if I cannot attend my Rainbow clinic appointment?

If for any reason you cannot attend your appointment, please ring the Antenatal clinic at Leeds General Infirmary on:
0113 392 3704. 

Please be aware the Admin staff will not be able to rebook your appointment without speaking to the Rainbow team first. The Rainbow clinic runs once a week, so if you miss your appointment, occasionally it may be necessary for you to have a scan in another department such as Fetal Assessment.

What should I do if I am worried about myself or my baby’s movements?

If you are worried about yourself or you think your baby is not moving as they normally do, please contact the Maternity Assessment Centre (MAC) at the hospital providing your pregnancy care (contact number at the end of this leaflet).

When you ring Maternity Assessment Centre with any pregnancy related problems it is important to tell the Midwife that you are under the care of the Rainbow Clinic.

Planning your baby’s birth

When planning your birth following a baby loss it is not unusual for you not to want to go past your estimated due date. Providing there are no clinical reasons to deliver your baby earlier, we would aim for you to give birth between 38 and 39 weeks of pregnancy.

An individual management plan will be made taking into consideration your preferences. This will include discussing whether you would prefer for your baby to be born vaginally or by planned Caesarean section. 

If you choose a vaginal birth, we would recommend that your baby is born in hospital so their heartbeat can be continuously monitored throughout your labour.

We also recommend you complete your pregnancy, birth and postnatal preferences electronically within your ‘Pregnancy Notes’ account or complete the Rainbow Clinic Birth Plan which you will find in this booklet.  Please discuss at your appointments with the Rainbow Team or Community Midwife who will be able to help you complete this if you wish.

What other support is available?

You may want to reach out to friends, family members, or a Rainbow support group. You may also find it helpful to write down your feelings and emotions.

Practicing self-care is very important when you are pregnant and even more so if you are pregnant with a Rainbow baby. 

Anxiety can be a common emotion; this is normal and totally understandable. However, some women may need additional support from a counsellor or a mental health professional to help manage their anxiety.

If you feel you need some extra help or support, please discuss this with your Community Midwife or at your next Rainbow Clinic appointment.

What happens after my baby is born?

Once your baby is born, providing you are both well, you will be cared for on the postnatal ward. However, if your baby is born early or requires additional care they may need to spend some time on the Transitional Care ward or in the Neonatal Unit. Once you are both discharged home your Community Midwife will provide all your routine postnatal care.

We hope you have found this information booklet useful and it has helped to answer some of your questions. However, if you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to ask us at your next Rainbow Clinic appointment.

Hospital Contact Numbers

Websites and Charities available for support and advice