Joanne Cull

An increased understanding of the long-term effects of trauma exposure on both mother and baby have led to calls for universal screening within maternity care, and anecdotally a number of hospitals in the UK have begun asking women about previous trauma at their first midwife appointment. However, concerns have been raised that this could be re-traumatising for women, increase unnecessary or unwarranted safeguarding referrals, or stigmatise women with a history of adverse events. It is evident that routinely discussing prior trauma with pregnant women requires careful consideration and sensitivity to ensure these conversations create value rather than cause harm.

The project is a critical participatory action research study. A research collective comprising women with lived experience of trauma, experts from the voluntary sector and specialist midwives is supporting the design and conduct of the study. Together, we are developing an intervention with three elements: how and when midwives should raise the issue of previous trauma with women; resources that can be provided to all women, whether or not they disclose trauma history, so they can access support and information independently; and a training tool for maternity care professionals. The study is informed by a review of previous literature and interviews with healthcare professionals, experts from the voluntary sector, and women with lived experience of trauma.

The acceptability and feasibility of the intervention will be explored with women and midwives. In the postdoctoral period, Joanne hopes to pilot the intervention to test if it is helpful to women and feasible for midwives, and then roll it out across the NHS.