BBC Morning Live Faces Backlash Over 'Wrong and Dangerous' Pregnancy Guidance
The BBC's popular weekday morning programme, Morning Live, has been compelled to issue a formal correction and received a significant warning following the broadcast of what has been described as 'wrong and dangerous' health advice. The incident, which occurred during a segment aired last Thursday, has sparked concern from pregnancy experts and viewers alike.
Controversial Segment on Private Scan Clinics
The problematic broadcast featured a segment presented by Zoe Hardman, which explored the experiences of women who attend private scan clinics during pregnancy. The discussion aimed to highlight potential errors that can occur in such private settings. However, during the segment, Hardman suggested to concerned expectant parents that they could check their baby's status at home using a stethoscope or by inquiring about electronic fetal monitoring with their midwife.
This advice was swiftly challenged by the leading pregnancy research charity, Tommy's. The organisation issued a stark statement in response, labelling the guidance as not only incorrect but potentially hazardous. Tommy's emphasised that using a stethoscope at home could lead to false reassurance, as it might pick up the mother's heartbeat or other sounds instead of the baby's.
Urgent Correction and On-Air Clarification
Later in the same episode, presenters Kimberley Walsh and Gethin Jones addressed the error on air. Walsh relayed a correction from a midwife named Debbie, who stressed that anyone worried about their baby should contact a maternity professional directly rather than attempting home monitoring. Tommy's subsequently confirmed that the BBC had been in touch to notify them of the correction and that the programme would edit the incorrect information from future broadcasts.
A corrective notice has also been added to the episode on BBC iPlayer, stating clearly that the programme mistakenly claimed pregnant women could use a stethoscope at home for reassurance. The notice directs viewers to the proper course of action: contacting their maternity unit if they are concerned about a reduction in their baby's movements.
Broader Context of Medical Expertise on the Show
This incident occurs against a backdrop of reported changes within the Morning Live team of medical experts. Last month, it was reported that regular NHS clinician Dr Ranj Singh's future on the programme had become uncertain. Dr Singh has been off air since July 2025 after signing a commercial deal with a weight loss injection company, a move deemed potentially conflicting for a show discussing topical health issues like weight loss treatments.
According to sources, this has led to the introduction of new medical faces on the panel. Reportedly, BBC bosses have been 'really impressed' by newcomers such as Dr Kas Ahmed from The Traitors and Dr Aziza Sesay, who now join established experts like Dr Xand van Tulleken. The show reportedly values having a rotating pool of specialists to contribute to what is described as a team effort in providing viewer guidance.
The BBC and a representative for Dr Ranj were contacted for comment regarding these broader staffing developments. This recent warning over health advice underscores the critical responsibility broadcasters hold in disseminating accurate medical information to the public.
