Midwives' experiences of developing advanced clinical practice roles in complex pregnancy care

Background/Aims Increasingly, service users choose pregnancy when living with pre-existing medical comorbidities. Advanced practice in midwifery is being developed to support these women's needs. The aim of this study was to explore how direct entry midwives develop and practice at an advanced level. Methods A total of 10 midwives were purposively sampled from a national Whatsapp group and interviewed. The data were analysed thematically. Results Participants wanted to learn more about complex pregnancy and this drove them to advanced clinical practice training and development. The new knowledge was empowering and they drew on support from colleagues and practitioners outside midwifery. Conclusions There is a place for advanced level practice in maternity care to meet the increasing demands of complex pregnancies. Implications for practice Advanced midwifery practitioners can contribute to real impactful interprofessional working to meet the needs of the perinatal population with complex medical conditions.