Better care pathways in pregnancies after stillbirth
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Better maternity care pathways in pregnancies after stillbirth or neonatal death: A feasibility study.
IRAS ID
228886
Contact name
Tracey A Mills
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
ISRCTN Number
17447733
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
In the UK, 13 babies die shortly before or soon after birth every day, causing long lasting grief for parents. Most women who have had a stillbirth or neonatal death conceive again, often soon after the loss. Subsequent pregnancies are associated with high stress and anxiety for parents, increasing complications such as the baby being born too early or too small. Difficult feelings and emotions often persist, even after the birth of a healthy baby and can disrupt early bonding, making family and social problems more likely later in life. Sensitive and appropriate support is vital for parents in pregnancy after the death of a baby. However, our recent research demonstrated that not all parents had good care all of the time; tactless and insensitive communication and lack of emotional support were common issues.
This study will examine whether it is possible to conduct research testing a new package of care to improve support for parents who have previously experienced death of a baby. Women would have a named midwife care co-ordinator, who would deliver antenatal care alongside their doctor, maintain a relationship with the family in pregnancy and during the early days after birth and provide access to extra support. This change will be introduced with a small group of women in two hospitals in North-West England and compared with similar women who received care immediately prior to the change. We will assess whether parents are willing to take part and stay in the research study, whether the change works as planned and the best ways of assessing the effect on well-being and maternity services.
If this is study is successful we will seek funding for a larger study to assess whether this change would benefit women, represents good value for money and should be introduced to the NHS.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0010
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jan 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion