1. Speak up immediately and ask to be reviewed again

You are always allowed to say:

“I still feel something is wrong. I would like to be assessed again, please.”

This triggers staff to reassess the situation.

2. Ask for a senior midwife or the shift coordinator

If you feel your concern isn't being taken seriously, you can ask:

  • The Senior Midwife

  • The Labour Ward Co-ordinator

  • The Midwifery Matron

They have more authority and experience and can escalate care.

3. Request a second opinion

Every patient has the right to a second clinical opinion.
You can say:

“I would like a second opinion, please.”

This is especially appropriate with:

  • Reduced movements

  • Pain or bleeding

  • Concerns being repeatedly dismissed

  • Conflicting advice

4. Refer to national guidelines (calmly and clearly)

You can reference the official standards which are linked on this page, e.g.:

  • RCOG Green-top Guidelines

  • Trust’s own maternity triage policy

  • NHS England maternity safety guidance

Example:

“My understanding is that after 28 weeks, reduced movements should include CTG monitoring. Could we check that’s being followed?”

This shows you are informed, not confrontational.

5. Ask for your concerns to be documented

You can say:

“Please record in my notes that I still feel concerned about my baby’s movements.”

This ensures accountability and keeps accurate records if it needs to go further.

6. Bring someone with you

A partner, friend, or family member can:

  • Advocate for you

  • Remind you what to say

  • Notice details you may miss

  • Help ensure concerns aren’t dismissed

7. Use the hospital’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you still feel unheard, PALS can:

  • Step in immediately

  • Contact the department

  • Resolve issues during your visit

  • Arrange reviews or investigations

  • Support with communication

You can ask staff for the PALS phone number or find it on the hospital website.

PALS can intervene that same day  not just after the fact.

8. Ask for a complaint to be made (while still receiving care)

If the situation is serious or repeatedly dismissed, you can state:

“I would like to make a formal complaint about the care I am receiving today.”

This does not affect your right to treatment.
Staff must continue to care for you while the complaint is logged.

9. If it relates to safety, request escalation through the hospital’s chain

Every maternity department has a chain of escalation. This is usually:

  1. Midwife

  2. Senior Midwife / Co-ordinator

  3. Obstetric Registrar

  4. Obstetric Consultant

  5. Matron or Head of Midwifery

You are allowed to say:

“I feel unsafe. Please escalate my care to the obstetric team.”

10. After the event:

If needed, someone can:

  • Make a formal complaint

  • Request birth or pregnancy notes

  • Ask for a review with a consultant

  • Use maternity voices partnerships (MVPs) to give feedback

  • Raise concerns with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) if the ward repeatedly gives poor care

Most importantly of all

In UK maternity care, you can come back as many times as needed.

No one should be told:

  • “Don’t come back unless it’s worse”

  • “It’s probably nothing”

  • “You’ve already been here once this week”

These are not acceptable.