Maternal deaths

The RCM midwives' union has called on the government to take urgent action following figures showing the maternal death rate has reached levels not seen in over 20 years.

Figures released by the MBRRACE-UK annual investigation into deaths of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the year after birth, showed rates among non-white women continue to be significantly higher.

Black women are three times more likely to die during pregnancy, or in the immediate postnatal period, and Asian women twice as likely.

The RCM said chronic midwife shortages across England, currently estimated at around 2,500, mean staff are often pulled away from important antenatal care to cover labour and birth.

This particularly affects women at higher risk of complications, those with pre-existing but undiagnosed conditions, and those with perinatal mental health concerns unable to access specialist support.