14 February 2019

The Local Maternity Service (LMS) in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of pregnant women being more aware of their unborn baby’s movements.

It follows a campaign launched by The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) last year to spread the message that unborn babies don’t stop moving.

Fiona Ellis, Programme Manager for Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin LMS said: “The aim of our campaign is to encourage women to monitor their baby’s movements and know what to do if they are worried.

“Feeling your baby move is a sign they are well, so it is really important if you notice your baby isn’t moving as much as usual or there has been a change in the movement patterns that you call 01952 565948/01952 565712 immediately.”

The campaign is based on materials designed and localised for Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin by Tommy’s, a charity who fund research into miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth and provide pregnancy health information to parents.

Jill Whitaker, Matron for Consultant Unit Maternity Services at SaTH, said: “Well babies keep moving through out a pregnancy but nationally it is recognised that women do not always approach health professionals for reassurance that their baby is well if the baby’s movements change. Sometimes women come into maternity units too late and, sadly, some babies die as a result.”

A four week facebook campaign targeting women aged 18-45 with key messages has been launched and information leaflets will be given directly to women during their maternity care appointments. As well as this a range of posters and banners have been produced which will be displayed in community areas across the local area.

Expectant mothers can find out more about the campaign and the importance of monitoring their baby’s movements at www.tommys.org

Anyone who is concerned about their baby’s movements can call 01952 565948/01952 565712 any time of the day or night.

The LMS is made up of NHS organisations, local authorities and other interested groups including Healthwatch Shropshire and Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin; Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Groups; Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Council; and SaTH.