More women unable to afford scans

Expectant mothers are missing out on critical scans during pregnancy because they can’t afford them, increasing the risk of complications during birth, according to unions representing midwives and nurses.

Health authorities more than two decades ago called for pregnancy ultrasounds, which can identify high-risk pregnancies and life-threatening conditions, to be fully funded.

Both the New Zealand Nurses Organisation and the College of Midwives said the high cost of living was stopping some from accessing healthcare, and have called for the scans to be fully-funded in the May 30 Budget. “It is no fault of the woman if she has to decide between getting scans done and putting the food on the table,” Kerri Nuku, president of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation, explained.

Private ultrasound clinics charge women a co-payment, ranging from $30 to $165 per scan. In some districts, such as Counties Manukau and Bay of Plenty, health authorities cover the surcharge.

Alison Eddy, chief executive of the College of Midwives, said it was best practice for women have three scans during their pregnancy: to estimate the due date, the baby’s growth, and anatomy.

Neither Eddy or Nuku had access to nationwide data on the rate of women missing the critical scans, but said anecdotal evidence suggested it was worsening amid higher cost for everyday items, such as food and petrol.

Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand was approached for comment, but was unable to confirm if it holds this information.

Experts have for years warned about the “dire” situation around maternal mental health.