Pregnant women to get more say on care

Published on Tuesday 12 May 2009 19:21

PREGNANT women at low risk of complications are to be given more choice over their care when giving birth, it was announced yesterday.

Women in the low-risk category will have a midwife as their lead carer, rather than a doctor. But they will also be given the choice of seeing a consultant if they want.

The new guidelines, from NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, are designed to make birth as natural as possible, with medical interventions kept to a minimum.

The Scottish Government said while most women were already offered these choices, the guidelines would make sure standard care was offered around the country.

Public health minister Shona Robison launched the guidance as she officially opened the new 4.8 million Midwife Unit and Women's Clinic at Perth Royal Infirmary.

The new facility will add to the services available at Perth's midwife-led community maternity unit, where 280 babies were born last year.

Ms Robison said pregnancy and birth were "normal and natural".

"Most women have a straightforward, uncomplicated pregnancy and labour and don't need intense medical intervention," she said.

"Having a midwife as the main carer is totally appropriate for them, and it's also the best way to ensure that a woman is in control of her own pregnancy and care options.

"Scotland leads the way in putting women at the heart of care and supporting normal births. Most health boards already work this way, but the introduction of these guidelines will ensure the same high standard of care everywhere.

"Women whose pregnancies are assessed as being higher-risk will have their care led by an obstetrician and all women will continue to have the choice of where and how their pregnancy will be cared for."