Identifying women requiring maternity high dependency care.

The prompt identification of clinical deterioration and referral for appropriate care are key issues in the management of women who become critically ill during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period. The Intensive Care Society has developed designated levels of care in relation to adult patient care, which may not be appropriate for use in midwifery. Therefore, exploring the midwifery, nursing and medical literature related to levels of care and detection of clinical deterioration may highlight the need for these to be modified and adapted for the development of midwifery-specific levels of care that are appropriate for this cohort.