Walsall mums-to-be who notice that their baby moving less or are concerned with their baby’s movements are being urged to seek help sooner rather than later as this could save their baby’s life.
Carla Jones-Charles, Divisional Director of Midwifery at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, urged women not to be afraid to come into hospital amid fears that the latest restrictions will make many women feel anxious about doing so.
She said: “We really feel for mums-to-be who are experiencing their pregnancy in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“While there are understandably restrictions in place, which are aimed at keeping us all safe and well and minimising the risk of the virus spreading, we know these are having an impact on women using our services. We want them to know how important it is not to ignore changes in baby movements.
“If you can’t feel your baby moving as often as usual this can be a sign that they are not well – it could mean they’ve got an infection or another problem. The sooner we find out what’s the matter the better as we can make sure the right treatment and care is given. We don’t want to add additional anxiety to mums-to-be at this worrying time but seeking help straight away could save a baby’s life; that’s how serious this is.”
Carla added that as well as reduced movement, a change in the pattern of movements is also important to raise.
“We want to reiterate that pregnant women who feel unwell or are experiencing any problems such as bleeding or pain should always get in touch with us. Our midwives and maternity staff are here to reassure and support and know how vulnerable you’re feeling.” We continue to review safety measures to ensure that we keep women safe when they attend the maternity unit.
This focus forms part of the Saving Babies’ Lives approach designed to support providers, commissioners and professionals to take action to reduce stillbirths. It supports the delivery of safer maternity care, as described by the National Maternity Review, in Better Births.
Mum-to-be Melanie Taylor knows what an anxious time this can be for pregnant women – her first child is due next month and she recently contacted maternity services for help.
“While I could still feel the baby moving, things just felt different and I was worried,” explained the college lecturer.
“The staff couldn’t have been more kind and caring to me. They told me to come in so I could be checked over and it turned out everything is OK. I’m so glad I got in touch because at home I would have just got more and more worried. They were so reassuring and I would urge other mums-to-be to please not ignore things like this because it’s important to know all is well.”
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