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New NHS Standards Aim to Save Pregnant Women's Lives
23 Apr
Summary
- Maternal mortality has increased by 21% since 2009-2011.
- New NHS measures target blood clots, mental health, and hemorrhage.
- Changes aim to significantly reduce avoidable deaths by March 2027.
Maternity services in England are set for a significant overhaul as a top midwife warns current NHS care is insufficient, with increasing numbers of women dying during or after pregnancy. A recent report indicates a 21% rise in maternal mortality since 2009-2011, excluding Covid-related deaths. The NHS is introducing new clinical standards to address this crisis.
These changes include early risk assessments for blood clots, a leading cause of maternal mortality, with high-risk women receiving preventative treatment. Specialist mental health support will become routine, addressing the significant number of maternal suicides. Efforts will also focus on earlier intervention for hemorrhages and pre-eclampsia.
The comprehensive reforms are scheduled for rollout in March 2027. They aim to reduce deaths from various causes including blood clots, strokes, cardiac disease, suicide, sepsis, obstetric hemorrhage, and pre-eclampsia, which together account for over half of maternal fatalities. Health officials are determined to transform maternity care and ensure every woman receives necessary assessments from early pregnancy.
