Menu
22/09/2010
Vital Antenatal Care Not Getting Through
Experts have reported that many of the most vulnerable pregnant women across England and Wales, are missing out on vital antenatal services.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has warned that teenage mothers, non-English speakers, domestic abuse victims and drug users were the least likely to seek care despite needing it most.
However there remains wide criticism over the idea of schools and colleges hosting antenatal classes.
NICE, the NHS watchdog, work to prevent medical problems such as pre-eclampsia and offer vital advice on pregnancy issues such as drinking and smoking. They agree that antenatal classes play an essential role in improving the health of mothers and babies and that a lack of care results in complications.
NICE's Deputy Chief Executive, Dr Gillian Leng said: "Although these women represent a small proportion of those having babies in the UK each year, they and their unborn children deserve the same level of care as anyone else."
She said that some schools with a high number of pregnant students should be able to help them access antenatal care by hosting classes, however many agree that this would normalise the growing problem.
The Deputy Chief Executive said NICE was looking at how to tackle the UK's teenage pregnancy rate and would be announcing proposals in the near future.
(BMcN)
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has warned that teenage mothers, non-English speakers, domestic abuse victims and drug users were the least likely to seek care despite needing it most.
However there remains wide criticism over the idea of schools and colleges hosting antenatal classes.
NICE, the NHS watchdog, work to prevent medical problems such as pre-eclampsia and offer vital advice on pregnancy issues such as drinking and smoking. They agree that antenatal classes play an essential role in improving the health of mothers and babies and that a lack of care results in complications.
NICE's Deputy Chief Executive, Dr Gillian Leng said: "Although these women represent a small proportion of those having babies in the UK each year, they and their unborn children deserve the same level of care as anyone else."
She said that some schools with a high number of pregnant students should be able to help them access antenatal care by hosting classes, however many agree that this would normalise the growing problem.
The Deputy Chief Executive said NICE was looking at how to tackle the UK's teenage pregnancy rate and would be announcing proposals in the near future.
(BMcN)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 September 2008
Pregant Diabetics Study Reveals Cheaper Monitoring
An important study published on the medical website bmj.com has suggested that a relatively cheap method of care can have a major impact on both pregnant diabetics and their babies.
Pregant Diabetics Study Reveals Cheaper Monitoring
An important study published on the medical website bmj.com has suggested that a relatively cheap method of care can have a major impact on both pregnant diabetics and their babies.
19 August 2009
Mums-To-Be Warned Off Baby Monitors
Pregnant women are being advised not to use personal monitors - known as Doppler devices - to listen to their baby's heartbeat at home over fears that they may lead to delays in seeking help for reduced fetal movements.
Mums-To-Be Warned Off Baby Monitors
Pregnant women are being advised not to use personal monitors - known as Doppler devices - to listen to their baby's heartbeat at home over fears that they may lead to delays in seeking help for reduced fetal movements.
13 January 2006
Report raises fears over premature birth drug
A drug, which is widely prescribed to pregnant women at risk of premature birth may actually do more harm than good, a report has suggested. The study, conducted by baby charity Tommy's, found that the antibiotic metronidazole, which is given to around 1 in 20 pregnant women, doubled the risk of pre-term delivery.
Report raises fears over premature birth drug
A drug, which is widely prescribed to pregnant women at risk of premature birth may actually do more harm than good, a report has suggested. The study, conducted by baby charity Tommy's, found that the antibiotic metronidazole, which is given to around 1 in 20 pregnant women, doubled the risk of pre-term delivery.
06 September 2004
Pregnant women still get 'raw deal' at work
Pregnant women will continue to get "a raw deal" at work and even face the sack in some cases, unless the government takes some positive action, according to the Equal Opportunities Commission's (EOC).
Pregnant women still get 'raw deal' at work
Pregnant women will continue to get "a raw deal" at work and even face the sack in some cases, unless the government takes some positive action, according to the Equal Opportunities Commission's (EOC).
06 June 2006
Overweight mothers pose health risk, study claims
Overweight and obese mums-to-be are risking the health of themselves and their unborn children, as well as putting additional strain on the health service, research has suggested. Researchers at Teesside University carried out a study into maternal obesity and pregnancy outcome.
Overweight mothers pose health risk, study claims
Overweight and obese mums-to-be are risking the health of themselves and their unborn children, as well as putting additional strain on the health service, research has suggested. Researchers at Teesside University carried out a study into maternal obesity and pregnancy outcome.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
