Research showing more complications in pregnancy in older mothers shows need for more midwives says RCM

By RCM on 30 May 2017 Older Mothers Midwife Shortage

Research from the University of British Columbia, Canada and colleagues in PLOS Medicine to be published today suggests that older mothers have higher rates of severe complications in childbirth.

Commenting on the research, Jacque Gerrard, Director for England at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), said: “The UK is seeing a rise in births to women in their late thirties and forties so this research is welcome and has some relevance to maternity services here in the UK.

“The RCM has been highlighting this rise and stressing the need for our maternity services to be able to ensure that this group of women receive the care they need. Older mothers particularly those into their thirties and forties can have more complications in pregnancy, as this research suggests. They may also need more support and advice form midwives and healthcare  professionals in our maternity services.

“This is why it is so critical that there are enough midwives to do this yet England is 3500 midwives short of the numbers needed, and this is a shortage that has now persisted for over a decade.

“There is no doubt that the risk of complications in pregnancy does in general increase for older women. We would encourage women who are planning to have a baby later in life, or women who are thinking of delaying pregnancy until later, to be aware of the research so that they can make an informed decision about their pregnancy.

"Ultimately it is a woman’s choice about when she has a baby and midwives will always support women in their choice and be available to discuss any issues related to pregnancy and birth.”

To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456, or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.

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Notes to editors

The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.