Women having their first baby and booking to give birth at participating hospitals were invited to join the study between April 2003 and December 2005.

Phase 1 follow-up

Phase 2 follow-up

information being collected:

• frequency and severity of urinary and bowel symptoms
• sexual health and emotional issues
• perineal and abdominal pain
• general health and recovery after childbirth
• contacts with health services
• physical activity and ‘time-out’
• practical and emotional support, household composition, partners’ involvement in parenting and difficulties in intimate partner relationships
• participation in paid work and access to paid and unpaid maternity leave.

medical record data abstraction

Data on pregnancy and birth events is being obtained by review of consenting women's medical records.

click here for Questionnaire 1