Wales rolls out app giving pregnant women instant access to records

Pregnant women in Wales will soon benefit from improved maternity care, thanks to the introduction of a new app and electronic health record system designed to enhance safety, accessibility, and personalisation.

The app, which is being rolled out across the country, will allow mothers-to-be to instantly access their full maternity records on their smartphones.

Replacing traditional paper notes, the app also provides tailored updates following each appointment and sends timely messages to promote a healthy pregnancy.

Users can view upcoming appointments, track their baby’s development on a weekly basis, and input key health information, such as blood pressure readings, when advised by their midwife.

They will also be able to personalise details like birth preferences and allergy information.

Sarah Murphy, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, said the initiative marks a significant step forward for maternity care in Wales.

“I’m excited to see a new app being rolled out across Wales. It will help empower mothers-to-be and give them a real say in their maternity care,” she said.

“The app and electronic health record will help improve the quality and safety of care for women and babies across Wales.”

The digital maternity health record will complement the app by enabling healthcare professionals to share real-time insights and information.

This, in turn, is expected to support more informed decision-making, enhancing safety for both mothers and babies.

Sue Tranka, Chief Nursing Officer for Wales, said: “For women in Wales, having a digital record for maternity care means having access to the right care, at the right time, no matter where they are, helping to make their health and maternity journeys smoother and more supported.”

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is the first in Wales to implement the system, with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board next in line.

The technology is set to reach every health board in Wales by March 2026.

Elleanor Griffiths, Senior Lead Midwife Informatics Specialist at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said the app empowers women by improving access to their records and enabling informed decisions about their care.

“Using Digital Maternity Records helps us to support public health initiatives by enabling rapid access to data, such as identifying women for RSV vaccinations, and supporting vulnerable women with tailored care,” she explained.

The digital tools are also expected to simplify communication among healthcare providers, with benefits including reminders, detailed reporting, and more streamlined maternity journeys.

By making digital maternity records available across Wales, the initiative aims to create a safer and more informed environment for mothers and babies, while empowering women to play an active role in their maternity care.