BBC Morning Live aired a segment on Thursday, January 29, focusing on women who opt for private scanning services during pregnancy. The feature discussed errors in health assessments at these clinics, prompting host Zoe Hardman to suggest that viewers monitor their baby’s heartbeat using a stethoscope at home or consult their midwife about electronic fetal monitoring options.
Expert Warning Highlights Risks
Later that afternoon, Tommy’s, a leading pregnancy charity, issued an urgent reminder to viewers. The organization addressed the segment, noting that after interviews with two mothers who had negative experiences at private scan clinics, the presenter recommended self-checking the baby’s heartbeat with a stethoscope for reassurance.
Tommy’s emphasized that this guidance is incorrect and potentially harmful, as it could lead to false reassurance. They clarified that no home scanning tools, Doppler devices, or apps can reliably assess a baby’s health. “It’s not a safe way to listen to your baby’s heartbeat or check they’re okay,” the statement warned, urging that only qualified midwives or medical professionals conduct such examinations.
On-Air Correction and iPlayer Update
Tommy’s later confirmed that the BBC team had reached out, promising to address the issue later in the broadcast and edit the misleading information. An on-screen notification now appears on BBC iPlayer for the episode, stating: “This programme is subject to a correction. It mistakenly claims that pregnant women can use a stethoscope at home for reassurance. The correct advice is to speak to your maternity unit if you are worried about a reduction in your baby’s movements.”
During the program, hosts Kimberley Walsh and Gethin Jones issued the correction. Walsh explained: “Debbie has actually been in touch; Debbie is a midwife, and said, ‘Rather than using a stethoscope at home, anyone who is worried about their baby should contact a midwife. Stethoscopes can often give false reassurance by picking up the mum’s heartbeat, other sounds, and not the baby’s heartbeat.'”
The presenters stressed the value of the update, thanked Debbie for her expertise, and displayed an on-screen warning with proper guidance for viewers.
Morning Live airs weekdays at 9:30 a.m. on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.
