This study is the first in the United Kingdom (UK) to look at how women and families from different backgrounds use ambulance services during the 'perinatal period' - through pregnancy, birth, and shortly after having a baby. The researchers want to understand whether all women have the same access to urgent and emergency maternity care, and whether there are differences in health outcomes for mothers and babies who use ambulance services. The study has two parts (called Work-Packages): Work Package One will look at data from women who were taken by ambulance to a Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust (MFT) maternity unit during the perinatal period, compared with those who had a baby at MFT but were not taken there by ambulance. It will look at the differences between the two groups and their health outcomes. Work Package Two will look closely at the text written by paramedics within ambulance records for some women from Work Package One, especially those at increased risk of a poor outcome. The researchers will study what happened during their care journey and look for anything that happens repeatedly within the text to better understand their experiences. By combining the results from both work packages, the study aims to give a detailed picture of how different women access emergency maternity care and outcomes for themselves and their babies. This will help identify ways to improve services, especially for women who may face barriers to getting the care they need, helping to make sure that maternity care is safe, fair, and more effective for everyone.
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Severe neonatal morbidity (composite)
Timeframe: Up to 6 weeks postpartum.
Severe maternal morbidity (composite)
Timeframe: Up to 6 weeks pospartum