There is evidence of racial disparity in the outcomes and experiences of UK maternity care. When asked about their experiences of maternity care, Black women have talked about good communication as connected to positive experiences and failures of communication as connected to poor experiences. This research will use recordings from real antenatal appointments, to try and spot patterns of communication that may positively or negatively affect women’s outcomes and experiences.

Recruitment is by invitation. This research will recruit Black expectant mothers or birthing people over the age of 18. Participants should not require an interpreter or official support to access antenatal care. Women attending an antenatal appointment with a participating midwife on one of the data collection dates, may be invited to take part in the study. Whether you decide to take part or not is entirely your choice.

We will ask permission to video record one of your antenatal appointments. We will not be in the room with you and your midwife. After your appointment we will ask you to complete a short questionnaire (2-8 mins) and speak to a researcher about your experience of communication in antenatal care (20-60 minutes).

The findings of this study will be communicated via academic, professional, and public channels which may include academic papers and talks, policy briefings, development of training materials and user engagement in collaboration with public-facing organisations.