Project summary:
This project explores maternal and neonatal outcomes among women serving in the armed forces, examining what is known about pregnancy outcomes, where evidence gaps remain, and how military working environments, cultures, and systems may influence health during pregnancy and birth.
A systematic review of international evidence identified potential increased risk of low birth weight among babies born to active-duty service women, while highlighting limited research beyond the US military. This project develops a theoretical framework to understand how military structures, occupational exposures, and organisational cultures may shape pregnancy experiences and birth outcomes, providing direction for future UK Armed Forces research.
Project outputs:
Journal articles
Conferences
Global Women’s Research Society 2026
European Public Health conference 2025
Centre for Military Women’s Research 2025 – poster presentation
