Women in vulnerable situations structurally receiving less maternity care

Maternity care quality is being compromised. Increasing staff shortages mean that pregnant women and new mothers are getting fewer care hours than necessary, creating risks, particularly for those in vulnerable situations. The Healthcare and Youth Inspectorate reported this, drawing on research from the RIVM, the Dutch Health Care Institute, and its own oversight.

Researchers report that the overall quality of care remains good. Yet, the average number of maternity care hours per family has declined in recent years, even as demand rises, partly because mothers spend less time in the hospital after giving birth. Vulnerable families are especially affected, consistently receiving fewer hours of care.

The minimum recommended maternity care is 24 hours. Yet, 21 percent of families in vulnerable situations, such as those experiencing debt, low income, or certain backgrounds, receive fewer hours, compared with 8 percent of non-vulnerable families. The inspectorate emphasizes that adequate care is crucial for a healthy start after birth, particularly since vulnerable families often face additional health risks.

The Dutch Health Care Institute urges that care be tailored to each family’s actual needs instead of relying on a standard hourly package. The inspectorate calls for a professional, coordinated approach to optimize staffing. This year, the RIVM will conduct further research, particularly into the reasons certain groups are receiving less maternity care.

Maternity care hours have decreased across all regions, with the sharpest drops seen in Zuid-Limburg and Zeeland, where the average fell by over seven hours in some cases.