Whilst for the majority of parents the birthing experience is a joyous one; there are families who have been impacted as a result of babies who have suffered injuries, tragically been stillborn and birthing parents who have lost their lives during labour.
Data provided by MBRRACE-UK Collaboration
Data released by MBRRACE-UK Collaboration regarding their investigation into maternal deaths shows that the mortality rate for women who died during or soon after pregnancy is now at levels not seen since 2003-05. The investigation includes data for women who died during pregnancy or within the six weeks after pregnancy between January 2020 – December 2022.
Whilst this data is due to be incorporated into the Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care report which will be published later this year, the data shows the following:-
- The maternal death rate in 2020-2022 was 13.41 per 100,000. Significantly higher than in 2017-2019 when it was 8.79. When the impact of Covid-19 is removed the rate remains high at 11.54.
- Thrombosis and thromboembolism were the leading cause of death, followed by Covid-19 and then heart disease and mental-health related causes.
- Ethnicity is also a factor in maternal death rates with those of Black ethnic backgrounds almost three times more likely to die than White women, although this figure has decreased slightly. Those of Asian ethnic background are almost two times higher to die than White women.
- Women from the most deprived areas are at a higher risk of maternal death. With the rate of more than twice as high remaining from previous data.
Maternity services provision across the East Midlands
Maternity services across the East Midlands remain under the spotlight. In Nottingham, Donna Ockenden is undertaking what will be the largest investigation into maternity care that the NHS has seen with approximately 1700 families’ cases to be examined. In Derby, the Care Quality Commission (“CQC”) deemed maternity services to be ‘inadequate’ further to a review in 2023. This led to an apology being made by the Chief Executive at the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust in a recent Trust board meeting. In Leicester, the CQC rated two of the three maternity services run by University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust as “requires improvement” following reviews carried out in 2023.
All of the Trusts are keen to make improvements to their maternity provision as a matter of urgency and it is hoped the impact of changes introduced by them will lead to a more positive birthing experience for all.
Our thoughts
Claire Cooper, Senior Associate in the Clinical Negligence Team at Rothera Bray, said “The data released in relation to maternal deaths only reaffirms that the focus being placed upon maternity services is right and will hopefully be a trigger for change. Families place their trust, lives and babies in the hands of medical staff during pregnancy and labour. I continue to urge anyone who has concerns about maternity treatment their or their loved ones have received to push for answers and emotional support”.
At Rothera Bray our specialist Clinical Negligence team is experienced in investigating birth injury claims to mother and baby and experience of group action claims involving gynaecology and obstetric issues.
If you have concerns about the treatment that you, or a loved one has received, please contact our Serious Injury team on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk
Support available:
We also offer support and signposting alongside our legal advice.
Links to some of the relevant support available are below:
Baby loss and bereavement support:
Disabled children (any condition)
Hypoxia during labour/following birth
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