The are about 30 births a year on the islands

The current midwife will leave her post at the end of the year. Proposals have been put forward for a midwife who will visit for two weeks every month.

But some women said it would leave them feeling more vulnerable and they would prefer someone on call on the islands.

Health bosses said a decision had still to be made, but that they would listen to suggestions.

The very fact of being peripheral and far away can make you feel more vulnerable Aisling Hick

The islands are about 30 miles (38km) off the Cornish coast and there are usually about 30 births a year among the population of 2,200.

But the proposals are worrying Aisling Hick, who lives on the island of St Agnes and is expecting her second child in September.

She said having someone on call on the islands was "vital".

"I know there aren't many pregnancies every year, and I know the economic arguments, but I think the very fact of being peripheral and far away can make you feel more vulnerable", Ms Hick said.

"Just knowing there is someone at the end of a phone who can get to you quickly can make a huge difference."

She added that midwives were often a first port of call with questions.

She said: "When you're pregnant you're not ill, so it doesn't seem appropriate to talk to a doctor."

Chris Joyce, director of midwifery for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said health chiefs were in talks with residents, health professionals on the islands and on the mainland to "look at a safe, effective service for those women".