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Background Women living on low incomes in the UK are at an increased risk of experiencing a stillbirth, neonatal death, premature birth, low birth weight, and maternal death. A recent MBRRACE-UK report found that maternal mortality rates were higher for women living in the most deprived areas facing multiple disadvantages and amongst women from Black and Asian ethnic groups. Not attending or delaying attendance to antenatal care is linked to increased maternal, fetal and infant mortality and morbidity. Poverty Proofing© is a structured approach that supports teams to identify and overcome the barriers individuals face in accessing services. This qualitative study aimed to identify barriers to maternity care access in Newcastle for pregnant women/people living on low incomes using the Poverty Proofing© approach.Methods Professionals (n=17) (healthcare and those working within voluntary and community groups (VCSE)), and pregnant women/people (n=17) (living on low incomes) were recruited from VCSE and NHS organisations in Newcastle. Data were collected via one-off semi-structured interviews and thematically analysed. NHS Ethical approval was obtained (24/PR/082).Results We conducted interviews with n=17 professional and n=17 pregnant women/people. Barriers to accessing maternity care were centred on the financial cost to attend appointments (i.e., cost of public transport and parking costs); digital exclusion; English language skills and health literacy; fear and unfamiliarity of services; stigma and discrimination from professionals and lack of social support.Conclusion The findings indicate a variety of barriers that intersect to hinder pregnant women/people from attending maternity care, including navigating public transport and having English language skills. Similarly, professional judgement of pregnant women/people often resulted in pregnant women/people being less likely to advocate for themselves at appointments. These findings will inform the development of tailored recommendations that can be implemented within maternity services to help reduce these barriers, improve attendance to maternity services and improve maternal outcomes.