How to Raise Concerns About Your Antenatal Care in the UK – Know Your Rights

How Can I Raise Concerns About My Antenatal Care?

Pregnancy is one of the most significant and transformative experiences in a woman’s life. As an expectant mother, you trust healthcare professionals to guide and support you through this journey. However, sometimes things do not go as expected, and you may find yourself needing to raise concerns about your antenatal care. Whether it’s about the level of support you’ve received, communication issues, or the quality of care, it’s important to know that you have antenatal rights and can speak up if you feel that your needs are not being met.

In this article, we will explore how you can raise concerns about your antenatal care in the UK. We will also discuss your rights as an expectant parent and provide helpful tips on how to ensure your voice is heard during your antenatal appointments, to ensure that you receive the prenatal care and support you deserve.

Understanding your antenatal rights is crucial when navigating the healthcare system during pregnancy. According to the NHS and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), all pregnant women are entitled to receive care that is of a high standard, which is accessible and appropriate for their needs. This includes:

Access to antenatal care appointments, antenatal scans, and all necessary tests.

The right to information about your pregnancy care options, including the pros and cons of treatments.

Access to antenatal support, whether emotional, psychological, or physical, throughout the pregnancy.

Being involved in decisions about your care, including the opportunity to raise concerns or ask questions at any time.

If you feel that your antenatal care is not being provided according to these standards, you have the right to address it in a respectful and professional manner.

Step 1: Identifying and Documenting Concerns

Before raising concerns, it’s important to identify the exact nature of the issue. Sometimes, a simple misunderstanding or miscommunication can be the source of concern, so it’s worth clarifying the situation first. Common issues that might require you to raise concerns about antenatal care include:

Lack of communication: If you feel that your questions are not being answered or that important information is being withheld.

Inadequate support: If you feel that you are not being adequately supported during antenatal appointments or in managing your pregnancy symptoms.

Rude or dismissive behaviour: If you experience unprofessional conduct or feel dismissed by healthcare professionals.

Not receiving timely care: Delays in receiving essential antenatal scans or other necessary services.

Safety concerns: If you are worried about the safety of yourself or your baby due to the advice or treatment given.

Document your concerns: Write down the specifics of your issue, including dates, names of people involved, and any communication you’ve had. Keep a record of any conversations or messages related to your antenatal care. This will help you present your concerns clearly and effectively.

Step 2: Addressing Your Concerns Directly with Healthcare Professionals

In many cases, the best way to raise concerns is to speak directly with the healthcare provider or professional who is involved. Whether it’s a midwife, obstetrician, or GP, they may not be aware of your concerns unless you express them.

Speak calmly and clearly: When discussing your issue, remain respectful and calm. Focus on explaining how you feel and why you are concerned.

Request a meeting: If the concern is serious, it may be beneficial to request a formal meeting. This ensures you have dedicated time to discuss your concerns without being rushed.

Be prepared with evidence: If possible, bring any documentation that supports your concerns, such as notes, records, or test results.

Many NHS trusts have patient feedback processes that allow you to make formal complaints or suggestions, and you should be made aware of these options during your antenatal appointments.

Step 3: Seeking Additional Support and Advice

If you feel that your concerns are not being adequately addressed after speaking with your healthcare provider, there are additional steps you can take. You can seek help from other professionals or organisations:

Antenatal classes or support groups: These can provide advice and emotional support, as well as resources for advocating for better care. Antenatal education and antenatal support groups can give you an avenue for discussing your experiences with others who may have faced similar issues.

Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS): The NHS offers PALS to help patients resolve issues related to healthcare. They can provide confidential advice, support, and guidance about making complaints. PALS can help you understand your rights and work with you to ensure your concerns are heard and resolved.

Citizens Advice Bureau: If you’re unsure how to proceed or feel that your concerns are not being handled appropriately, the Citizens Advice Bureau can help guide you on how to escalate complaints within the NHS.

Step 4: Filing a Formal Complaint

If the issue remains unresolved after you have communicated with healthcare providers directly, filing a formal complaint might be necessary. The NHS has a structured complaints procedure, which allows patients to:

Make a formal written complaint: You can write to the healthcare provider’s complaints department outlining your concerns. Be clear, concise, and specific about your complaint, providing relevant evidence.

Request a response: The healthcare provider is required to acknowledge your complaint and provide a response, usually within a set period (e.g. 30 days).

Escalate the complaint: If you are not satisfied with the response, you can escalate the complaint to higher authorities, such as the Health Service Ombudsman.

By filing a formal complaint, you not only seek a resolution for your own situation but also help improve the overall quality of antenatal care for other expectant mothers.

Step 5: Seeking Legal Advice

In rare cases, if the issue is serious enough to involve potential medical negligence or you believe your care was inadequate to the point that it harmed you or your baby, you may need to seek legal advice. A solicitor who specialises in medical negligence can help you understand your rights and take action if necessary.

Raising concerns about your antenatal care is an important part of ensuring that you and your baby receive the best possible care throughout pregnancy. It’s essential to know your antenatal rights and to feel empowered to speak up when something is wrong. Whether it’s through direct communication, seeking additional support, or filing a formal complaint, there are various avenues you can take to address any issues you may encounter. The key is to remain proactive, clear, and informed so that your antenatal care can be improved, not just for you but for other expectant parents as well.