Press Release - UK Mothers Say Provision Of Antenatal Care Is
Inadequate
12 January 2007
A fifth (20%) of mothers feel they were not offered adequate
antenatal care during their pregnancy, according to an alarming new
survey of more than 2,000 UK women, commissioned by The London
Clinic.
More than half (57%) of those questioned admitted they would like
to have been offered more scans during their pregnancy. The need
for general reassurance was the most common reason (76%) for this,
while 18% felt they should have received more attention because
they had previously suffered complications.
Miscarriage was the most common concern among mums-to-be in the
first three months of their pregnancy (93%), followed by
pre-eclampsia (5%) and varicose veins (2%). One in four pregnancies
end in miscarriage - an estimated 250,000 in the UK each
year.
For women in the early stages of pregnancy, a new service - The
Early Pregnancy Screening Service, has been launched by The London
Clinic to provide reassurance and treatment for women in the first
five to twelve weeks of their pregnancy.
Concerns such as vaginal bleeding, discharge, pelvic and abdominal
pain, or a history of pregnancy problems can be treated via a
highly efficient, consultant-led process, to include:
- Screening and scans, including 3D/4D imaging and tests for
chromosomal abnormality
- Counselling
- Follow-up investigations and care
Mr Colin Davis, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at The
London Clinic, says: "As starkly highlighted in the survey, there
is a real demand for more general reassurance among mums-to-be from
medical professionals. By being able to provide a more detailed
insight into the health of unborn babies, we hope our new service
will greatly help to allay any worries expectant mums may
have."
"Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies are more common in the first
12 weeks of pregnancy. Studies show that early pregnancy scans have
a better outcome as they help identify and treat potential problems
early and reduce overall anxiety which, in turn, leads to a
reduction in miscarriages. So, being able to offer a range of scans
in the very early weeks of a pregnancy can only benefit those most
at risk."
The new service also provides telephone advice for GPs and
referring clinicians five days per week, Monday to Friday.
Professor Jauniaux, consultant obstetrician in foetal medicine at
The London Clinic, adds: "Bleeding in early pregnancy is one of the
most common complications. There is reliable evidence that expert
TLC (tender loving care) really can help to reduce the risk of
miscarriage, particularly in women at risk of recurrent
miscarriage. Rapid access to support from experts and progressive
medical treatment is therefore essential."
The Early Pregnancy Screening Service at The London Clinic forms
part of a comprehensive range of specialist services for women
which include: colposcopy; breast services; reconstructive surgery;
mammography; bone density; full-female health screening;
gynaecology, genito-urinary medicine and menapause.