Expectations & Realities of Pregnancy and Motherhood ≥ 40 years of age
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of the expectations and realities of pregnancy and motherhood for first time mothers ≥ 40 years of age.
IRAS ID
266021
Contact name
Cheryl Elliot
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northumbria University at Newcastle
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 13 days
Research summary
The research aims to explore pregnancy and motherhood for first time mothers aged forty years and over. The National Maternity Review (2016) is concerned with providing woman-centred care for all mothers, however there remains a lack of understanding in relation to the needs of older mothers despite the rising number of women entering childbirth at an increased age.
This research aims to increase understanding of the experiences of women experiencing pregnancy for the first time with increased maternal age, to guide maternity services in providing a more woman-centred service to meet the needs of changing demographics of childbirth.
The research aims to use two forms of data collection gain further insight into a woman's expectations of pregnancy and motherhood and focus on the reality of this through pregnancy and early motherhood. Firstly, data will be collected using audio logs independently recorded by the participant and shared with the researcher through the use of a password-protected portable audio recording device, which will be safely transferred to a secure password-protected computer by the researcher at three points during the longitudinal data collection period. The participant will complete audio logs at least once in every two week period. The researcher will send reminder postcards (posted in an envelope) with prompts of discussion points and reminder for interview appointments.
The researcher will analyse the logs iteratively and use the information to inform semi-structured interviews which will be planned for 20-24 weeks of pregnancy, 30-34 weeks of pregnancy and 8-12 weeks following the birth of baby.
The study will recruit first-time mothers aged 40 years and over, accessing maternity care at a single hospital trust. Women will be recruited to the study over approximately a 9 month period for data collection (from 14-16 weeks of pregnancy to up to 12 weeks post birth).
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
19/WA/0364
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion