Previous Loss in Pregnancy: The Journey to Motherhood - V 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Caregiving Expectations in pregnant women following pregnancy loss: A cross-sectional study
IRAS ID
337799
Contact name
Andrew Gumley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Glasgow
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 29 days
Research summary
Background: During pregnancy, mothers will become increasingly emotionally invested in their unborn child, creating mental imagery around their future role as a mother and their relationship with their baby. Research has found that these prenatal caregiving expectations can predict the quality of the relationship with the baby during infancy.
Current research has found a number of adverse psychological outcomes that are linked to the experience of pregnancy loss, including grief, depression and anxiety, which can persist into the next pregnancy and after birth. Studies have also suggested that following a pregnancy loss, the mother-infant relationship is more likely to be adversely affected. There is some evidence to suggest that the way mothers mentally prepare for a baby following a loss is different, although so far the findings have been contradictory and of variable quality.Research Questions: What do caregiving expectations look like in women who are currently pregnant following one or more pregnancy losses? Do experiences of grief, trauma, anxiety or social support predict caregiving expectations?
Participants: Women who are in their second or third trimester of pregnancy and have experienced at least one pregnancy loss, at any stage of the pregnancy.
Method: Participants will anonymously complete a variety of online self-report questionnaires, which will aim to capture current expectations of their future relationship with their baby, in addition to details about current grief, anxiety, trauma and relationships. It will collect details about previous pregnancy loss, such as the number and date of last loss.
Practical Applications and Dissemination: The findings could provide rationale to provide psychological input to this group during pregnancy to improve psychological outcomes. I plan to share the findings with maternity and perinatal related services in Ayrshire. I plan to publish the findings in a peer reviewed journal to hopefully impact this clinical group more widely.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/EE/0061
Date of REC Opinion
9 May 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion