Investigating if Mamafit Impacts Maternal Physical and Mental Health
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study to determine if Mamafit Impacts Maternal Physical and Mental Health: A Mixed Methods Approach.
IRAS ID
306095
Contact name
Katie Cole
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Edge Hill University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 10 months, 31 days
Research summary
The prevalence of obesity during pregnancy is increasing, despite widespread recognition of adverse outcomes. Additionally, gestational weight gain (GWG) is often overlooked, with no UK guidance of optimal weight management. There has also been a significant increase in perinatal mental illness, now affecting 1 in 5 women. Due to various factors, women are not receiving the sufficient care and support they require during or after pregnancy.
Good maternal physical activity and nutrition is important to achieve optimal maternal and fetal health for all women, regardless of their body mass index (BMI). Currently referrals to exercise and nutritional groups are only aimed towards women with an increased BMI, despite the benefits for all. During pregnancy, women will commonly reduce or stop their physical activity and together with weight stigma, obesity and excessive GWG and the associated complications, will continue to increase. To overcome these concerns, Mamafit is a pregnancy and postnatal exercise and lifestyle programme, that aims to improve maternal and fetal health. This project will use a mixed methods approach; Study 1 will assess if Mamafit has an impact on maternal physical and mental health. A second study will explore women’s and experiences of taking part in Mamafit. Study one and two data collection methods will be combined to assess if Mamafit has a long term postnatal impact, for a small sub sample of 4 women for 6 months.
Women will be recruited around the Merseyside area.
A third study will then be designed, based on the findings of study one and two, which will utilise a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) approach. The project is funded by Edge Hill University and aims to inform policy makers, service providers and health professionals on the possible importance of physical activity and nutritional intake for all women.REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
22/NS/0022
Date of REC Opinion
25 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion