Pregnancy changes normal vital signs, so standard adult early warning scores can miss problems. Maternity early warning scores help nurses and midwives spot women who are becoming unwell.
Imagine a woman two days after a caesarean section who says she just feels “not right”. Her heart rate is a little high and her temperature is rising. On a maternity chart, these small changes add up to a warning of sepsis.
Why pregnancy needs its own chart
Pregnancy raises heart rate and lowers blood pressure, and pregnant women can compensate well before sudden collapse. Maternity scores adjust thresholds for these changes.
What MEOWS usually tracks
- Breathing rate and oxygen saturation
- Heart rate and blood pressure
- Temperature
- Level of consciousness
- Pain and other signs such as bleeding or fluid loss
Conditions it helps detect
- Sepsis
- Haemorrhage
- Pre-eclampsia
- Blood clots and pulmonary embolism
- Heart problems
Using it well
- Use the maternity chart for all pregnant and recently pregnant women, including on non-maternity wards
- Record observations accurately
- Calculate the score and escalate as directed
- Listen to the woman when she says something is wrong
- Involve obstetric and midwifery teams early
Frequently asked questions
Should MEOWS be used on general wards?
Yes. Pregnant and postnatal women admitted to any ward should be monitored with a maternity chart where available.
But she says she is fine
Women may minimise symptoms. Trust objective signs and your own concern, and escalate.
Your next step: Check that your ward has a maternity early warning chart and knows how to call the obstetric team.
Related: Postnatal danger signs
Sources: MBRRACE-UK, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, World Health Organization maternal health guidance, NHS England.
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