THE government must “sort out the crisis in maternity care” as the system is failing to keep women safe, a charity has warned. 

The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) has issued a new checklist for pregnant women and their birth partners to ensure they are aware of their rights.

It includes asking healthcare professionals questions about birth, such as pain management and interventions — and to always ask for more information if the options provided are not making sense.

The document has been released following a report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) last month, which said the safety of maternity care “remains a key concern.”

NCT service development manager Katherine Walker said: “We want every pregnant woman and person to feel fully supported, but the reality is that many maternity settings are failing to keep them safe.”

Maxine Palmer, head of service development at NCT, said it should not be the responsibility of patients to ensure they have a good birth experience.

“The burden shouldn’t be falling to individuals to make sure they have a good birth experience,” she said.

“It is up to the government to sort out the crisis in maternity care and ensure everyone can expect the same standard, no matter where you live. It shouldn’t be a postcode lottery.”

A Department of Health and Social Care statement said: “Childbirth should not be something women fear or look back on with trauma, and it is unacceptable that too many women are not receiving the maternity care that they deserve.

“This government is determined to learn lessons from recent investigations and reports to make sure women and their babies receive safe, personalised and compassionate care.”