Exploring healthy lifestyle in postnatal women

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    An exploration of factors influencing healthy lifestyle, weight and family planning for postnatal women in Greater Manchester and Eastern Cheshire (GMEC).

  • IRAS ID

    350953

  • Contact name

    Christine Furber

  • Contact email

    C.M.Furber@salford.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    The University of Salford

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    1198, University of Salford ethical approval

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Background
    Maternal obesity has significant implications for the health of mothers and their future fetus and child as they develop. Active weight loss during pregnancy is contraindicated but for those who are obese after their birth, the postnatal period provides an opportunity to lose weight prior to a future pregnancy.

    Aim
    This research aims to develop an understanding of factors influencing healthy lifestyle, weight and family planning for postnatal women living across Greater Manchester and Eastern Cheshire (GMEC).

    Methods
    The research will use parallel mixed methods, including an anonymised questionnaire and semi-structured interviews to explore factors influencing healthy lifestyle, weight and family planning for postnatal women living across Greater Manchester and Eastern Cheshire (GMEC). This will include exploration of the barriers and facilitators to healthy pregnancy planning, including contraception and achieving a healthy weight in the postnatal period.

    Outputs
    The findings of this research will inform the development of targeted interventions to promote healthy maternal weight, postnatal wellbeing and pregnancy planning across GMEC.

  • REC name

    South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    25/SC/0130

  • Date of REC Opinion

    15 Jul 2025

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion