Regular monitoring of vital signs and documentation on a MEOWS chart (Fig 1) helps with early recognition of changes in a mother's condition. This can aid early identification of women who are deteriorating due to conditions such as haemorrhage, sepsis, pre-eclampsia, pulmonary embolism, intracranial bleeds, pulmonary oedema and anaesthetic complications.

The aim is to identify the deteriorating patient, intervene early and therefore reduce morbidity and mortality.

Normal values of observations are entered in the WHITE areas of the chart. If the values become abnormal, they enter YELLOW or RED areas in the chart, depending on how abnormal they are.

Thus the use of MEOWS charts prompts early referral to an appropriate practitioner who can undertake a full review, request appropriate investigations, resuscitate and treat as required.

Review and possible early intervention should occur when a patient's data shows one RED or two YELLOWS on a MEOWS chart.