Maternal health study: a prospective cohort study of nulliparous women recruited in early pregnancy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In the first year after childbirth, 94% of women experience one or more major health problems (urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence, perineal pain, back pain). Difficulties in intimate partner relationships and changes affecting sexual health are also common. The aim of this study is to investigate changes in women's health from early pregnancy until four years after the birth of a first child.

Methods/design

The Maternal Health Study is a longitudinal study designed to fill in some of the gaps in current research evidence regarding women's physical and psychological health and recovery after childbirth. A prospective pregnancy cohort of >1500 nulliparous women has been recruited in early pregnancy at six metropolitan public hospitals in Melbourne, Australia

SUBMITTER: Brown SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1463006 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature