Rutland and Stamford MP Alicia Kearns has called on the government to update pregnancy guidance in light of her own near-death experience.

Mrs Kearns suffered from multiple pulmonary emboli – artery blockages in the lung caused by blood clots – last year, following the birth of her third child, which nearly cost her her life.

The MP is now campaigning to change maternal health guidance so that information pertaining to the condition is included in pregnancy packs.

Mrs Kearns said: "A year ago, I came close to losing my life due to a number of pulmonary embolisms. I am only here because of the skills of Dr Laura Stephens, who Addenbrookes Hospital told me was 'exceptional' and had saved my life.

"Blood clots are the number one cause of maternal death in this country, and yet there is almost no effort to educate mums during our pregnancies and after giving birth about the risks. That must change.

"I will now work closely with the Health Secretary until the maternity National Action Plan does what it needs to on blood clots and pulmonary embolisms, so we can save women's lives."

Mrs Kearns has requested the Health Secretary meet with her to ensure blood clots are "addressed as a priority" within the Government's National Action Plan on maternity safety.

"I thank the Honourable Lady for sharing her experience and for raising the importance of this issue from her experience, but also for the benefit of maternity services more widely," James Murray, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care said.

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"It's very important that this is part of the National Action Plan and our wider response."