Project summary:
Military-connected families often face additional challenges during pregnancy and early parenthood. This study examines the experiences, awareness, and support provided by NHS maternity staff in a military-dense region of the UK, through a survey (n=125) and interviews (n=9).
Research suggests military families face additional perinatal challenges, including, but not limited to, poorer maternal mental health and a higher risk of intimate partner violence, alongside the wider demands of military life such as partner deployment and frequent relocation. Yet little is known about how well NHS maternity services recognise and respond to these needs.
This study explores NHS maternity staff awareness, confidence, and experiences of supporting military-connected families. Using a survey of 125 maternity professionals and interviews with 9 staff who regularly work with this group, the project identifies current practice, highlights gaps in awareness and support, and provides recommendations to improve maternity care for military families.
Project team:
Dr Claire Hooks, Associate Professor, Midwifery and Women’s Health – also affiliated to ARU’s Health and Care Research Centre
Dr Susan Walker, Associate Professor, Contraceptive, Reproductive and Sexual Health – also affiliated to the HCRC
Conferences:
Conference poster, ARU, 3September 2026
NHS Veterans HealthCare Alliance (VHCA) Conference, 16September 2026 – oral presentation
Anglia Ruskin University Medical School Conference, 30 September 2026 – oral presentation
Canadian Institute for Military and Veterans Health Research (CiMVHR) Conference, 20 October 2026, Halifax, Nova Scotia – podium presentation
