Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what developments the NHS plans for tests to detect possible premature birth; and if he will make a statement.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) recommends screening for several conditions in pregnancy. The case for continuation or otherwise of these programmes is reviewed as per the UK NSC’s evidence review process, every three years or earlier should any significant new evidence emerge.

In November 2014, the UK NSC recommended that screening for pre-term birth should not be offered as the available screening test is not reliable. The UK NSC will review the evidence for preterm labour again in 2017/18.

Women are offered a minimum of two ultrasound scans during their pregnancy to screen for physical (structural) abnormalities in their unborn babies. The first scan usually takes place between 10 to 14 weeks, with a second scan for fetal anomalies at around 18 to 21 weeks. This scan can detect a large range of problems including some affecting the heart and abdomen. Early treatment after birth for these can help save a baby’s life.