- NHS maternity care is deemed "not good enough" by England's Chief Midwifery Officer, Kate Brintworth, as maternal deaths are increasing.
- Figures show 257 women died during or after pregnancy between 2021 and 2023, with research suggesting improved care could have altered the outcome in almost half of these cases.
- The NHS will implement new clinical standards by March 2027, including early risk assessments for blood clots (now the leading cause of maternal mortality) and routine mental health checks.
- Other measures include specialist care for pregnant women with epilepsy and earlier intervention for post-birth haemorrhages.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated his determination to transform maternity care, aiming to significantly reduce avoidable deaths.
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