To see or not to see? Midwives perceptions of reduced antenatal attendances for low-risk women

midwives generally expressed support for a move away from the traditional schedule of antenatal attendances, suggesting that this represented a move towards the acceptance of pregnancy as a normal life event.They recognised that some women would prefer flexible care and the possibility of a reduction in the number of antenatal attendances. However, they suggested that some women would require additional information in order to feel confident in these circumstances.The midwives also recognised that both they and pregnant women have reservations about reducing contact during the antenatal period. Central to these reservations is a concern that womenʹs psychosocial as well as physical needs may go unmet if antenatal contact is reduced.