Using co-design to enhance midwives’ gestational weight gain mindlines
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Co-designing strategies to enhance midwives’ gestational weight gain mindlines in relation to South Asian women in Birmingham
IRAS ID
301580
Contact name
Sereena Raju
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Birmingham City University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Raju /#10040 /sub1 /R(C) /2022 /Jan /HELS FAEC, Faculty Ethics Committee approval reference number (does not fit in row above)
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 4 days
Research summary
There is evidence for an association between excessive levels of weight gain during pregnancy and poorer health outcomes for the mother and baby. This problem is particularly prevalent among South Asian women in Birmingham (which includes those who are Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi or from any other Asian background (Minority Rights Group International, 2021)). Data indicates that 634 per 1,000 of this group were overweight or obese at antenatal booking appointment in 2018 (NHS Digital, 2019).
Although there is NICE guidance (2010) on pregnancy weight management, there are challenges with adhering to this. For instance, my literature review revealed that midwives and pregnant women encounter many barriers in acting upon their knowledge of the risks of excessive weight gain. Since midwives are a woman’s most frequent source of formal contact during pregnancy, it is important to ensure that their understandings are addressed. This will ensure that they feel more prepared to have culturally sensitive consultations about weight with pregnant South Asian women.
This study is underpinned by the concept of mindlines. Evidence uptake in practice is slow and unreliable. One approach to changing practice of both practitioners and lay people is to enhance mindlines. Mindlines are “collectively reinforced, internalised tacit guidelines” which are contextually relevant (2004: 3).
The overall aim of this study is to co-design prototype strategies to enhance midwives’ gestational weight gain mindlines in relation to South Asian women in Birmingham. This will involve the following three stages:
1.Qualitative interviews with midwives and South Asian pregnant women in England (approximately 1 month).
2. Co-design of prototype strategies with South Asian pregnant women and new mothers from England and midwives from Birmingham. These will help midwives to have culturally sensitive consultations about weight with South Asian pregnant women (2-3 months).
3. Prototype feasibility testing alongside midwives in Birmingham (1-2 months).REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/EE/0079
Date of REC Opinion
25 Apr 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion