The NMC Code and its application to the role of the midwife in antenatal care : a student perspective

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code provides the foundational ‘values and principles’ a midwife should follow throughout their practice. This article discusses the application of the four pillars of the Code – prioritise people, practice effectively, preserve safety, and promote leadership and trust – to the role of the midwife in antenatal care. In providing holistic care facilitated through communication, a midwife can demonstrate advocacy, accountability, competency and leadership to provide quality, safe care to women. However, following the Code is not always straightforward; organisational demands are often in opposition with NMC values. This article discusses the midwife's duty to reconcile these juxtapositions, fulfilling the needs of their employer whilst upholding the requirements of the professional body