Pregnant women are being urged to avoid giving birth early in a bid to save the NHS millions of pounds, with experts warning the ‘postcode lottery’ of neonatal care could put babies at risk.Figures obtained by the BBC show that the number of induced births in England has risen dramatically over the past 20 years, with around 30% of babies now being born early, up from just 10% in 1990.The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) says that while the increase in inductions has been driven by a number of factors, including a rise in the number of older mothers, it is also being fuelled by a desire to avoid giving birth on certain dates, such as Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.The RCOG is now calling for a change in the way that inductions are offered, with women being given more information about the risks and benefits of having a baby early.The college’s vice president, Dr. Ranee Thakar, said: .
Pregnant women ‘ignored danger’ amid rush to give birth before due dates
