Statistics released by Public Health Scotland today show that 1 in 4 pregnancies (24%) registered in Scotland last year[1] were in Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC).
Over the last five years the number of pregnancies registered for maternity care in Scotland has generally fallen, except in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), where the number has increased each year.
In the year ending 31st December 2024, there were 12,003 pregnancies registered with NHSGGC and 49,952 in Scotland overall.
NHSGGC midwives, however, have highlighted that more women need to be registering their pregnancy earlier, prior to 10-12 weeks. Today’s statistics also show that the health board has the lowest percentage of women registering before 12 weeks gestation (89%).
Director of Midwifery for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Dr Mary Ross-Davie said:
“There is often a misconception that you need to wait until you’re past the 12-week mark to let us know that you’re expecting and that’s not the case.
“We want to hear from you as early as possible – there’s no such thing as too soon.
“We understand that you may not want to share your news with friends and family just yet. That’s ok. Registering is confidential. By doing so we’re able to get you the right advice, support and care, including tests and scans at the right time.”
To enable more women to easily register their pregnancy online, NHSGGC introduced a digital registration system. Mary said:
“It means that women can jump on at any time of day and quickly add their details to our system. It takes less than five minutes to complete.”
[1] Year ending 31st December 2024
Anyone in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area that is expecting a baby is encouraged to jump online to www.nhsggc.scot/meetyourmidwife as soon as they can in their pregnancy to register for their first midwife appointment.
Scotland-wide, pregnant women under 20 years of age are less likely to have booked for maternity care by 12 weeks when compared to older women.
In 2024, 1,614 pregnancies with a known gestation were booked by women aged younger than 20. Of these, 85.3% were booked for antenatal care by 12 weeks. In comparison, all other maternal age groups saw at least 90% booked by 12 weeks, except those aged 40 and over which was slightly less at 89.6%.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde maternity services are made up of Princess Royal Maternity, Royal Alexandra Maternity, Queen Elizabeth Maternity, Inverclyde Community Maternity, and Vale of Leven Community Maternity, as well as our homebirth & community-based midwifery services.
The NHSGGC Central Booking Office remains available by phone and women can call 0141 347 8422. The quickest way to register a pregnancy is online at www.nhsggc.scot/meetyourmidwife.
