In phase 2 of the Maternal Health Study, follow-up of the original cohort who gave birth to their first child between September 2003 and May 2006 will be extended to investigate longer-term maternal health outcomes.

The aims in phase 2 of the study are:

1. To determine the prevalence of physical and psychological health problems in this large cohort of women four years after giving birth to their first child,
2. To assess the influence of subsequent births on maternal health and well-being, and
3. To provide a more complete and longer term assessment of maternal health and recovery in the first four to five years after giving birth to a first child.

All women participating in phase 1 of the Maternal Health Study will be invited to take part in the second phase of the study, with the exception of women who have withdrawn from the original cohort or whose current contact details are unknown.

Women taking part in phase 2 will be asked to complete a questionnaire when their first child is four years old. If they have a second or subsequent child before their first child is four years old, they will be asked to complete questionnaires when their second or subsequent child/ren are six months and 12 months old. Phase 2 follow-up commenced in September 2005.