Addressing Inequalities to Improve Maternal and Infant Health

Reviews of NHS maternity services continue to highlight serious failures in care during pregnancy and childbirth, underlining the need for urgent improvements in safety, quality and compassion.

Analysis of 1.6 million births in England found that one in five women required emergency care within a year of giving birth, with rates highest among those living in deprived areas and among Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi women.

Pre-existing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and mental ill health contribute significantly to poorer outcomes, demonstrating how health inequalities and social disadvantage continue to impact maternal and infant health.