Professor Alexander Heazell
Theme Lead
University of Manchester
Professor Nicola Heslehurst
Co-Lead
Newcastle University
Professor Victoria Hodgetts Morton
Co-Lead
University of Birmingham
Professor Hora Soltani MBE
Co-Lead
Sheffield Hallam University
Dr Debbie Smith
Co-Lead
University of Manchester
Dr Ryc Aquino
Emerging Co-Lead
Newcastle University
Dr Marlize De Vivo
Emerging Co-lead
Sheffield Hallam University
Samina Faisal
Project Manager
University of Manchester
Overview
Improving and reducing inequalities in maternity care pathways, this theme focusses on major contributors to maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly cardiometabolic complications (obesity, hypertension, gestational diabetes (GDM)), perinatal mental health, and complications in early maternal recovery after birth.
Working with Core20PLUS communities and maternity services, this theme is developing, testing and evaluating improved care pathways covering pregnancy, birth and early postnatal recovery to reduce inequalities in maternity outcomes for women and babies.
It focuses on three key areas:
- Cardiometabolic health: preventing and managing conditions like obesity, high blood pressure and gestational diabetes from pregnancy through to postnatal care.
- Postnatal recovery: improving early recovery after birth, starting with care for severe perineal trauma
- Perinatal mental health and wellbeing: Using data driven approaches and through an intersectional lens, assessing and co-producing equitable perinatal mental health and psychosocial wellbeing support before, during and after pregnancy
