A new service is being rolled out across Wales, allowing mothers-to-be to access their full maternity records instantly on their phones through a groundbreaking new app.
The innovative app is set to transform maternity care by providing tailored updates after every appointment and timely messages to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Replacing traditional paper notes, the app offers a range of features designed to support expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy journey. Women will be able to:
- View booked appointments
- Learn about baby’s development
- Track blood pressure readings
- Personalise details and preferences
The introduction of the electronic maternity health record alongside the app ensures that clinicians have real-time access to crucial pregnancy information, enhancing safety for both mothers and babies.
With the rollout of the app set to be complete across Wales by March 2026, the Royal College of Midwives in Wales has welcomed the Welsh government’s announcement. Julie Richards, the Royal College of Midwives’ Director for Wales, said:
“We know maternity services can deliver safer and more personalised care using digital technology, so the RCM really welcomes this investment. For too long maternity services have been overlooked and left at the back of the queue when it comes to digital investment
“The introduction of an app will undoubtedly improve the maternity experience of pregnant women across Wales. It will enable them to feel more in control of their pregnancy. Having to repeat information to different healthcare professionals can be frustrating, and for some women, particularly those who have experienced previous pregnancy loss, it can be deeply upsetting too.
“The RCM has been calling for more investment in digital technologies across all UK maternity services, including recommending that a digital midwife should be on every health board or trust, so we really welcome this announcement.
“Midwives and MSWs in Wales are looking forward to going digital, however they will need support to transition to more digital ways of working. Whilst there is a considerable investment, from talking to members there is clearly a need to focus on workforce digital competencies as part of the implementation over the next year.
“There will be new things to learn and new ways of doing things but introducing digital records and an app will ultimately make our members working life easier and enable them to deliver high-quality care to women across Wales.”
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is leading the way as the first in Wales to implement this new digital system, with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board following suit.
Image credit: iStock
