Pregnancy and Birth: Maternity Care, Midwives, Postpartum — 2026-10-24
Health officials in England warn that up to 20 maternity units may face closure due to staff shortages and rising C-section rates, while a new US report reveals that birth center deliveries have tripled over the last two decades. Meanwhile, postpartum care remains a critical gap, with a recent French study indicating 30% of new mothers struggle after childbirth, and experts debating the safety of maternal RSV vaccines.
Pregnancy and Birth: Maternity Care, Midwives, Postpartum — 2026-10-24
Top developments
England Warns of Mass Maternity Unit Closures
NHS Alliance’s acute care director, Matthew Hopkins, stated that up to 20 maternity units in England may need to shut down or change their roles to ensure safe care amid severe staff shortages and rising caesarean section rates. The proposed centralization aims to improve safety but raises concerns for women in rural and coastal areas who will face longer travel distances to give birth.
Birth Center Deliveries Triple in the US
A new report highlights that deliveries at midwife-run birth centers for low-risk patients have tripled in the last two decades, particularly in rural Western states. Despite these positive trends, the report notes that 10 US states currently have no birth centers at all, highlighting a significant gap in accessible birthing options.
Postpartum Care Gaps Highlighted in France
A new study in France reveals that 30% of young mothers experience difficulties following childbirth, identifying the postpartum period as a significant "blind spot" in the healthcare system. The National Order of Midwives is calling for structural changes to ensure better postpartum monitoring, noting that while prenatal care is well-regarded, the transition after birth lacks sufficient support.
RSV Vaccine Uptake Low Despite Effectiveness
New data indicates that while the maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) is effective in protecting infants from severe respiratory illness, uptake among pregnant women remains low. Experts are debating the timing of other vaccines, such as the flu shot, with recent discussions at IDWeek 2026 highlighting variability in infant protection based on vaccination timing during pregnancy.
Local view
In France, the "Ordre des sages-femmes" (National Order of Midwives) is actively campaigning for the 2027 presidential election, using Ifop survey data to highlight that women desire greater proximity in care. The organization emphasizes that the current system fails to provide adequate postpartum support, urging policymakers to address the "desertification" of local maternity services.
Context & numbers
- England: Up to 20 maternity units may close.
- France: 30% of young mothers report postpartum difficulties.
- US: 10 states have zero birth centers.
- US: Pediatric flu vaccination rates have dropped to 49.4%.
On the radar
- Free Birth Trend: NPR reports that social media influencers are increasing the popularity of "free birth" (unassisted home birth), despite medical warnings about severe risks.
- Gestational Diabetes Diagnosis: An NIH panel concluded there is insufficient evidence to support a single-step approach for diagnosing gestational diabetes, maintaining the current two-step standard.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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