Expectant mothers across England will soon benefit from safer maternity care as the NHS rolls out a new national programme aimed at preventing brain injuries during childbirth.
The Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth (ABC) programme, launching this September, is designed to help maternity staff better detect signs of fetal distress and respond swiftly to obstetric emergencies.
The ABC programme equips clinicians with the tools and training to act decisively in high-risk situations, such as when a baby’s head becomes lodged during a caesarean section. Developed in collaboration with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Midwives, and the THIS Institute, the initiative follows a successful pilot in 12 maternity units.
The pilot demonstrated that the programme fills a critical gap in current training by fostering stronger collaboration among multidisciplinary teams. It is expected to significantly reduce avoidable brain injuries, including those that can lead to lifelong conditions like cerebral palsy.
Wes Streeting, Health and Social Care secretary, said:
“All expectant mothers giving birth in an NHS hospital should have peace of mind that they are in safe hands.
“This vital programme will give staff across the country the right tools and training to deliver better care to women and their babies, reducing the devastating impact of avoidable brain injury.
“Under our Plan for Change, we are supporting trusts to make rapid improvements and training thousands more midwives – but I know more needs to be done. We will put women’s voices right at the heart of our reforms as we work to improve care.”
The ABC programme is a key part of the government’s Plan for Change to reform the NHS and ensure all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate maternity care. It also aims to reduce unacceptable disparities in maternity outcomes, helping more units achieve standards comparable to the top 20% of NHS trusts.
In addition to the ABC programme, the government has committed to:
- Training thousands more midwives
- Closing the Black and Asian maternal mortality gap
- Investing an extra £57 million in Start for Life services, offering expert advice and support to new and expectant mothers
This comprehensive approach reflects a renewed national commitment to improving maternity care and ensuring every birth is as safe as possible.
Image credit : iStock
