PhD Studentship - Intervention to reduce maternal stress during pregnancy: Effect on pregnancy outcome

Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences

University of Manchester

The Maternal and Fetal Health Research Group is inviting applications for a distinguished three-year Tommy’s funded PhD studentship. The studentship is open to UK/EU nationals only due to the nature of the funding and will attract an annual stipend of £12, 940 in addition to tuition fees. The project is due to commence in September 2008.

Pregnancy in women who perceive themselves to be suffering from stress as a result of everyday life events – e.g. work, childcare, relationships - is associated with an increased risk of complications such as pre-term birth or low birth weight. These complications have both immediate and long-term effects on the health of the baby. These infants are more likely to die at, or around the time of birth or to suffer from debilitating conditions such as cerebral palsy. They are also more likely to develop disorders such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes in adulthood.

It is therefore important to identify practical and effective ways of reducing stress during pregnancy. This study, which is in collaboration with the School of Social Sciences, will investigate whether yoga - a well-recognised method for improving wellbeing - could be used to alleviate maternal stress and consequently to improve pregnancy outcome.

The project would be particularly appropriate for a student with a good first degree (minimum upper second or equivalent) or Masters in psychology, sociology or biomedical sciences, who wishes to use their skills and knowledge in the maternal health field.

The project provides training spanning obstetrics, primary care, psychology, physiology and sociology.

PhD graduates in this area will likely pursue academic careers in health services research, medical sociology or psychological sciences

Interested candidates should submit a CV and detailed covering letter outlining their suitability for the project to Dr Melissa Westwood (c/o Martyn Johnson) at martyn.johnson@manchester.ac.uk. Contact details for two academic or professional referees should also be provided.

Applications will be welcomed up to and including Friday 6 June 2008.

For further details on the project please contact Dr Westwood at the address above.

http://www.medicine.manchester.ac.uk/research/groups/maternalfetalhealth/