Risk to women of severe bleeding after giving birth at five-year high in England

Key Highlights

• Haemorrhage is a known cause of birth-related trauma in women. Many women bleed after delivering their baby, usually without causing concern.
• But the possibility of a mother losing an unusually large amount of blood is a known risk of childbirth.
• It is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide and causes one in 14 or 7% of maternal deaths in the UK.“The growing risk to mothers of suffering serious and potentially fatal bleeding following childbirth is terrifying”, said Helen Morgan, the Liberal Democrats’ health spokesperson.“We know that severe blood loss contributes to nearly one in 10 maternal deaths [in the UK].
• Every birth involves risk, but rising rates of these incidents will be a source of real fear for women and families across the country.“It’s completely heartbreaking to see just how many families experience unacceptable injuries and trauma at a time that should be full of excitement and joy.”The findings are the latest evidence to suggest that the quality and safety of NHS maternity care are declining. In the initial report of her government-commissioned investigation into maternity care, the inquiry chair, Valerie Amos, said last week that some mothers were receiving unacceptable care and that had led to “tragic consequences”. Morgan said: “We already have a situation where the Care Quality Commission says that two-thirds of maternity units are not safe enough.
• Maternity deaths are up.