Experiences of pregnant midwives working in the neonatal unit

Abstract

Pregnant midwives working in the neonatal unit face unique challenges, balancing professional responsibilities with the physical and psychological demands of pregnancy. While occupational health in healthcare professionals is increasingly recognised, limited research has explored how midwives experience their pregnancy while working in different maternity settings. This study aims to explore midwives’ experiences when working on the neonatal unit during pregnancy. The research objectives include: to elicit the impact of working in the neonatal unit on the physical well-being of pregnant midwives, to understand the psychological effects of working in the neonatal unit for pregnant midwives and to identify the support available to pregnant midwives working in the neonatal unit. A qualitative research approach will be employed. Approximately 6 to 8 midwives will be recruited using purposive and snowball sampling from the main local hospital. Eligible participants will be registered midwives who worked in the local neonatal unit during pregnancy within the past five years, regardless of age, nationality, or parity. Data will be collected through one-time, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews guided by a self-designed interview schedule. Interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis will be used to identify key themes and subthemes based on participants' narratives. This study addresses a notable gap in the literature by exploring the experiences of pregnant midwives working in neonatal care, an under-researched area. Unlike previous studies that often consider physical and psychological effects in isolation, this research will explore how these dimensions intersect within the distinctive context of neonatal care, acknowledging midwives’ dual roles as healthcare providers and maternity care service users. In doing so, the findings may inform workplace policies, support services, and maternity care practices, ultimately contributing to a more empathetic and individualised approach to supporting pregnant healthcare professionals.