Feasibility of antenatal group to improve reflective functioning
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility of a randomised trial of a psychoeducational group intervention to improve parental reflective functioning in pregnancy.
IRAS ID
222312
Contact name
Hannah Cox
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway, University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 18 days
Research summary
This study aims to develop and assess the feasibility of a group intervention (Baby CHAT), designed to increase expectant mothers’ and fathers’ positive feelings towards their unborn baby. Previous research suggests it is important for parents to develop a clear sense of their baby, during pregnancy, as a growing person with physical and emotional characteristics. Difficulties with this are linked to problems building strong parent-child relationships at birth and with emotional, cognitive and physical difficulties as the child grows. Additionally, stronger bonds in pregnancy are associated with better maternal health behaviours, which positively influence development of the baby pre and post-birth. It is therefore vital to maximise positive feelings of parents towards their babies, before birth. Educational group interventions have shown to improve positive feelings of parents towards children in different groups, for example looked after children. New research suggests 4-dimensional (4D) ultrasound scans can detect babies’ reactions to sounds presented outside the womb, at 32 and 36 weeks’ gestation. This means their responsiveness to social communication may develop during pregnancy. Video footage from this study will be included in a 60-minute educational group session for expectant parents, that will teach them about their developing baby in the womb. The aim will be to explore whether the group is acceptable to participants and to further develop the intervention from feedback and running of the group. Participants will be expectant parents aged 18 and over who attend one of two South-East London maternity units. Equal amounts of participants will be randomised into either the group intervention or treatment as usual from their midwife. Questionnaires and interview questions will be used to measure any changes in parents feelings towards their baby before and after the group and to find out whether the group is acceptable to them.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/WM/0160
Date of REC Opinion
25 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion