North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) is looking for first time mums-to-be to take part in a research study with the overall aim of improving maternity care.

The Trust is taking part RETHINK to find out how extra support in pregnancy can help manage anxiety, particularly around pain expectations.

The study is looking at whether this extra support can reduce the likelihood of early labour and complications as well as the best way to support women who are in early labour in their own homes.

Anna.jpegAnna McSkeane, CIC Research Team Leader and NCIC Local Principal Investigator said:

“We are so happy to be able to give eligible women receiving their care with us here at NCIC the opportunity to take part in the RETHINK study.

 

“The study will consider the impact of greater fear and anxiety around pain and how this affects the time when women are admitted to hospital in labour, their labour choices, and birth outcomes."

Rachel.jpg

Rachel Hardy, Research Midwife/Nurse and NCIC Local Study Lead added: “We think this study asks some very important questions about the latent (early) phase of labour both for first time mothers and for the midwives supporting them.”

The Trust is now asking first time mums to come forward and volunteer for the study, which will follow mums through pregnancy, labour and birth, and into the postnatal period.

To take part you need to be:

  • aged 18 to 40
  • expecting your first baby
  • planning a hospital birth
  • expecting an uncomplicated pregnancy

Women who take part must be able to understand and read English, have internet access and an email address for study contact.

The study requires you to fill in two questionnaires:

  1. During pregnancy (between 25 weeks and 33 weeks and 6 days)
  2. Three weeks after you have had your baby (Three weeks after your expected due date if you give birth to your baby earlier than expected).

The research team will also ask for your permission for your hospital to tell us some details about your labour and birth.

You can join in by contacting your midwife or by contacting the local research team: