A new NHS initiative is being launched nationwide to help reduce the risk of avoidable brain injuries in newborns during childbirth. The programme, called Avoiding Brain Injuries in Childbirth (ABC), is designed to support maternity staff in recognising signs of distress in babies during labour and taking timely action to prevent long-term conditions such as cerebral palsy.

Set to begin in September, the programme has been developed with input from hundreds of maternity professionals, including midwives, anaesthetists and obstetricians. It follows a successful trial across nine maternity units and is being led by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Midwives, and The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute).

The ABC programme focuses on improving care in two key risk areas: detecting and responding to signs of fetal deterioration during labour, and managing cases where a baby’s head becomes stuck during a caesarean section. By introducing evidence-based tools and consistent protocols, the aim is to help teams deliver quicker, more coordinated care in emergency situations.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised the importance of the programme as part of wider reforms to improve maternity services. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to recruit and train more midwives and ensure women’s voices are central to future changes in maternity care.