Stress experienced by women during pregnancy and up to two years post-partum (‘maternal stress’) is an important public health concern with significant health consequences for maternal and child health. This research aims to reduce maternal stress in Ireland through development of a stress-reduction intervention (e.g. guidelines and strategies) that can be implemented in national maternal and child health programmes, and delivered in healthcare practice.
The proposed research will use an integrated knowledge translation approach, following the Knowledge to Action framework. A systematic review of maternal stress-reduction intervention effects and intervention components will establish an evidence-base to inform intervention development. Secondary data analysis of nationally representative cohort studies (BASELINE and Growing Up in Ireland) will identify associations and mechanisms of effect of maternal stress on child health and development. Qualitative interviews with women, their partners, and healthcare professionals will explore experiences and perceptions of maternal stress and ways to reduce maternal stress in Ireland. The findings of these studies will inform the maternal stress-reduction intervention, with input from key stakeholders including women, healthcare professionals and Irish Health Service Executive collaborators. This will ensure that the stress-reduction intervention developed is acceptable and feasible for the key stakeholders who will deliver and receive it in practice.
By developing an evidence-based intervention to reduce stress for women during pregnancy and up to two years postpartum, the current research addresses a number of key national priorities outlined in the Healthy Ireland Framework and National Maternity Strategy. These include promoting and protecting the health and well-being of women and children, and empowering women to improve their own well-being in the context of women-centred maternity care.
