BBC Morning Live has been forced to issue a significant correction following what has been described as 'dangerous' health advice broadcast during a recent segment about private pregnancy scanning clinics. The programme, which airs on BBC One weekday mornings, featured a discussion on Thursday 29th January that has prompted serious concern from leading pregnancy charity Tommy's.
Problematic Segment Sparks Immediate Concern
The controversial segment examined women's experiences with private scanning facilities during pregnancy, highlighting mistakes that can occur at such clinics. During the broadcast, presenter Zoe Hardman suggested that concerned viewers could monitor their baby's wellbeing using a stethoscope at home or enquire about electronic foetal monitoring through their midwife.
However, within hours of the programme airing, Tommy's charity released an urgent statement directly challenging this advice. The organisation declared: "This advice is not only wrong, but dangerous because you could be falsely reassured." They emphasised that no domestic scanning equipment, doppler device or application can determine whether a baby is healthy, stressing this approach represents "not a safe way to listen to your baby's heartbeat or check they're okay."
Charity Intervention Leads to Swift Correction
Tommy's was unequivocal in its warning, stating that only qualified midwives or medical professionals should perform such checks. The charity's intervention proved effective, with the organisation soon providing an update confirming: "BBC Morning Live have been in touch to let us know they correct this later on in the show, and will be editing the incorrect information."
A notification now appears on the programme's iPlayer page 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."
Presenters Deliver On-Air Rectification
Later in the same broadcast, presenters Kimberley Walsh and Gethin Jones addressed the earlier mistake directly. Kimberley 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.'"
She continued with crucial clarification: "Stethoscopes can often give false reassurance by picking up the mum's heartbeat, other sounds and not the baby's heartbeat." The presenters acknowledged the importance of highlighting this correction and expressed gratitude to the midwife for her professional input while providing viewers with accurate guidance alongside an on-screen warning.
Broader Implications for Health Broadcasting
This incident raises significant questions about the responsibility of daytime television programmes when discussing sensitive medical matters. The swift correction demonstrates the importance of expert verification before broadcasting health advice, particularly concerning vulnerable groups like pregnant women.
The episode serves as a reminder that while private scanning clinics can provide valuable services, proper medical oversight remains essential. Tommy's charity has reinforced the message that any concerns about fetal movements or wellbeing should always be directed to professional maternity services rather than relying on home monitoring methods that could provide misleading reassurance.
BBC Morning Live continues to broadcast on BBC One weekdays at 9.30am and remains available on BBC iPlayer, though this particular episode now carries the important correction notice for viewer safety.
