​Authors: Melvin C et at.
Source: BMC pregnancy and childbirth [BMC Pregnancy Childbirth] 2022 Aug 10; Vol. 22 (1), pp. 634. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Aug 10.
Abstract:
Background: Around 1 in 150 babies are stillborn or die in the first month of life in the UK. Most women conceive again, and subsequent pregnancies are often characterised by feelings of stress and anxiety, persisting beyond the birth. Psychological distress increases the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes and longer-term parenting difficulties. Appropriate emotional support in subsequent pregnancies is key to ensure the wellbeing of women and families. Substantial variability in existing care has been reported, including fragmentation and poor communication. A new care package improving midwifery continuity and access to emotional support during subsequent pregnancy could improve outcomes. However, no study has assessed the feasibility of a full-scale trial to test effectiveness in improving outcomes and cost-effectiveness for the National Health Service (NHS).
Methods: A prospective, mixed-methods pre-and post-cohort study, in two Northwest England Maternity Units. Thirty-eight women, (≤ 20 weeks' gestation, with a previous stillbirth, or neonatal death) were offered the study intervention (allocation of a named midwife care coordinator and access to group and online support). Sixteen women receiving usual care were recruited in the 6 months preceding implementation of the intervention. Outcome data were collected at 2 antenatal and 1 postnatal visit(s). Qualitative interviews captured experiences of care and research processes with women (n = 20), partners (n = 5), and midwives (n = 8).
Results: Overall recruitment was 90% of target, and 77% of women completed the study. A diverse sample reflected the local population, but non-English speaking was a barrier to participation. Study processes and data collection methods were acceptable. Those who received increased midwifery continuity valued the relationship with the care coordinator and perceived positive impacts on pregnancy experiences. However, the anticipated increase in antenatal continuity for direct midwife contacts was not observed for the intervention group. Take-up of in-person support groups was also limited.
Conclusions: Women and partners welcomed the opportunity to participate in research. Continuity of midwifery care was supported as a beneficial strategy to improve care and support in pregnancy after the death of a baby by both parents and professionals. Important barriers to implementation included changes in leadership, service pressures and competing priorities.

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Author(s):  View ORCID ProfileLauri M.M. van den Berg, Naseerah Akooji, Gill Thomson,  View ORCID ProfileAnk de Jonge, Marie-Clare Balaam, Anastasia Topalidou,  View ORCID ProfileSoo Downe the ASPIRE COVID-19 research team
Source: medRxiv (no pagination), 2022 Date of Publication: 16 April 2022
Abstract: To examine women’s birth experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare the experiences of women who gave birth in the United Kingdom (UK) or the Netherlands (NL) either before or during the pandemic. This study is based on analyses of quantitative and qualitative data from the online Babies Born Better survey. Responses recorded by women giving birth in the UK and the NL between June and December 2020 have been used, encompassing women who gave birth between 2017 and 2020. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and chi-squared tests were performed to compare women who gave birth pre- versus during pandemic and separately by country. Qualitative data was analysed by inductive thematic analysis.

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Author(s) Andrews E.; Sur A.
Source Archives of Disease in Childhood; May 2020; vol. 105 (no. 5); p. 508-511

• Available in full text at Archives of disease in childhood from BMJ Journals - NHS

Author(s) Gupta A.; Paria A.
Source Surgery (United Kingdom); 2019
DOI 10.1016/j.mpsur.2019.09.004
This article provides an overview of the key physiological changes that take place as the fetus transtitions to neonatal life. It provides and an overview of fetal transition with a focus on respiratory and cardiovascular changes.Copyright © 2019