The NHS is set to extend a programme across England aiming to enhance maternity safety and prevent brain injuries during childbirth. Known as the Avoiding Brain Injuries in Childbirth (ABC) programme, it focuses on equipping maternity staff with the skills to promptly identify signs of a baby’s distress during labor so they can respond swiftly. This initiative also aims to improve the management of obstetric emergencies where complications may arise, such as the baby’s head becoming stuck in the mother’s pelvis during a caesarean section.
The government, which announced the program would commence in September following a pilot scheme in nine maternity units, is confident it will cut down on avoidable brain injuries at birth. These injuries can lead to lifelong conditions such as cerebral palsy. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized, “All expectant mothers giving birth in an NHS hospital should have the assurance that they are in safe hands. This program will equip staff nationwide with the necessary tools and training to provide better care for women and their babies, thus minimizing the heartbreaking effects of preventable brain injuries.”
Imperial College London’s Neonatal Data Analysis Unit has reported that in 2021, 2,490 babies experienced one or more instances of brain injury care during or after birth, equating to a rate of 4.2 per 1,000 live births. The pilot implementation was conducted by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Midwives, and the Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute.
Ranee Thakar, the president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, acknowledged the positive outcomes of multidisciplinary teamwork facilitated by the ABC program in high-stakes emergencies. Gill Walton, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, highlighted the programme as a collaborative effort incorporating feedback from women, families, and maternity staff, essential for its success.
The ambition of the ABC program also includes reducing disparities in maternity outcomes, with a goal for most maternity units to achieve results similar to those of the current top 20% of trusts. Professor Mary Dixon-Woods from the Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute stated that the program’s success in training has been evident in the pilot and that a nationwide commitment will be vital in extending these benefits.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/12/nhs-scheme-to-prevent-brain-injuries-in-childbirth-extended-across-england
