Multiple birth guidelines call for extra care

Wednesday September 28th, 2011

New UK guidelines today will set out how hospitals should care for women with multiple pregnancies, such as those carrying twins and triplets.

These women should get more antenatal visits than others and receive more monitoring, according to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

This should include an ultrasound scan in the first three months of pregnancy, it says. Care should be provided by a multidisciplinary team, NICE says.

The guidelines were welcomed by expert groups.

Dr Virginia Beckett, of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: "Increased monitoring and contact with healthcare workers will ensure the mother and their babies receive the best care possible.

"It is important that any mother carrying more than one baby has access to accurate information including discussion over delivery method and postnatal wellbeing. A multi-disciplinary approach including input from midwives, obstetricians and ultrasonographers will help ensure any complications are picked up early."

Jane Munro, of the Royal College of Midwives, added: "We know that women will value access to the appropriate information and emotional support unique to multiple pregnancies at their first meeting with a midwife and the maternity services.

"The guidance's focus on coordinating clinical care will allow the minimum number of hospital visits and care as close to a woman’s home, as possible."

Keith Reed, of the Twins and Multiple Births Association, added: "Sadly the care some expectant multiple birth mothers currently receive does not meet their needs, occasionally with disastrous consequences.

"These guidelines will help ensure that clinical teams can focus on delivering evidence-based care whilst our families are better placed to know the standard of care they should be receiving."

Tags: Childbirth and Pregnancy | NHS | Nursing & Midwifery | UK News | Women’s Health & Gynaecology

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