Medical Negligence

Will Midwifery shortages lead to a greater increase in traumatic births or even medical negligence?

A report from the Royal College of Midwives in November 2011 warned that maternity services in the UK face a “looming crisis” amid increasing birth rates but reduced numbers of midwives. Since 2001 the birth rate in UK has increased by 22 percent, whist the medical services are suffering from a shortfall of 5,000 midwives.

The shortage of midwives has proved critical in the concurrent debate concerning the new NHS guidance on childbirth, provided by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). The guidance, which was released the same day, aims to reduce the number of caesarean births by providing expectant women with proper information about the serious nature of a caesarean surgery. It is thought that once women have had a full discussion about the risks and benefits with a health professional, they will “opt for the safest option”. Or alternatively, the guidelines aim to use communication to dispel the “myths” about caesarean and natural delivery. Currently, around 25% of women in the UK give birth by caesarean section, as compared to 14% in Nordic countries.

However, the crisis facing midwifery will have serious implications for the successful implementation of the guidelines. Indeed Malcolm Griffiths, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, who chaired the guidelines committee, acknowledged that support during labour will be critical in reducing caesarean rates.

A lack of midwife support can lead to traumatic deliveries which can sometimes result in the child suffering a birth injury or causing the mother prolonged anxiety and distress. The psychological trauma is particularly important with regards to the NICE guidelines because affected women can develop a fear of vaginal birth, or tokophobia as it is known. Mr Griffiths said that it was not uncommon for pregnant women who had suffered a traumatic birth to be so terrified of the experience that they consider abortion. Furthermore, fellow committee member, Nina Khazaezadeh, a consultant Midwife, added that women even put off becoming pregnant following a traumatic birth. 

Whether brought on by a previous experience or not, the fear of vaginal birth requires support and guidance, which sadly cannot be guaranteed amidst short-staffed maternity wards. This concern has been echoed by the National Childbirth Trust, whose chief executive, Belinda Phipps, warns that if caesarean rates go up after these guidelines, it is evidence that the UK is failing to deliver safe and supportive midwife care.

If these guidelines are to be safely and successfully implemented, more midwives are urgently needed. What is more, the guidelines remind us that adequate numbers of trained midwives are crucial to ensuring that a safe birth is achieved for both mother and baby.

If you or someone you know has suffered an injury due to poor maternity care please do not hesitate to contact us or see our medical negligence compensation page. For free, expert advice on making a medical negligence claim, click here or call us free on 0800 0382 382. We are available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.