A Longitudinal, Cohort Study Investigating the Impact of General Anaesthetic Caesarean Birth, With or Without ICU Admission, on Maternal Mental Health and Mother/Infant Bonding

In the UK, approximately 6000 women every year undergo caesarean sections with general anaesthetic. Additionally, around 1300 women are admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICU) annually, typically due to pregnancy or childbirth complications. Some of these women are admitted to ICU for critical care immediately following a general anaesthetic caesarean section. However, there is little research on the impact of these experiences on women/birthing people and their families.

This project aims to explore the impact of general anaesthetic caesarean section, with or without subsequent ICU admission, on a mother's mental health and bonding with her newborn. Women and birthing people who have undergone a caesarean section with an epidural or spinal anaesthesia can also take part in this study, so that outcomes can be compared for different types of caesarean birth.