Thank you for reading this.

You are being invited to take part in a research study.

Before you decide, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. Ask us if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. Take time to decide whether or not you wish to take part.

What is the purpose of the study?

This research is being undertaken on women living within the UK who have been pregnant at any time. The aim of this study is to examine how changes to food intake may impact on the developing baby. You will be asked questions on your pregnancy/pregnancies in terms of the care you received during and after as well as questions related to your baby.

The main set of questions will focus on your pregnancy cravings or aversions which will most likely be centred around food and your diet before and during the pregnancy.

Why have I been chosen?

You have been chosen because you have been pregnant within the United Kingdom at any times and may or may not have had a pregnancy related craving or aversion.

Why should I not take part?

You should not take part in this questionnaire if you are one of the following

o Currently pregnant

o You do not currently live in the United Kingdom

o You were under 18 at the time of your pregnancy

o You identify yourself as being a vulnerable person (currently a minor, have mental or physical conditions which mean you are unable to look after yourself)

o You find discussing food intake or your diet difficult



Do I have to take part?

It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part.  If you decide to take part you will be given this information sheet to keep and be asked to sign a consent form.  If you decide to take part you are still free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason.  A decision to withdraw at any time, or a decision not to take part, will not affect you in any way.

What will happen to me if I take part?

You will be asked to complete an anonymous online questionnaire which should only take up to 5 minutes to complete. You answered will be stored anonymously and the data used as a part of a research project. If you’ve had multiple pregnancies, you are invited to complete the questionnaire for each separate pregnancy.

 What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part?

There are no disadvantages or risks foreseen in taking part in the study.

What are the possible benefits of taking part?

By taking part, you will be contributing to the continued improvement in maternal care.

What if something goes wrong?

If you wish to complain or have any concerns about any aspect of the way you have been approached or treated during the course of this study, please contact Professor Elizabeth Mason-Whitehead (Chester Medical School Head of Department), University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ, e.whitehead@chester.ac.uk.

The University does not accept responsibility for any harm experienced apart from that which is proven to have been caused through its negligence. In the unlikely event that you experience harm through your participation in the research, and this is due to the negligent conduct of the researchers, then you may have grounds to bring legal action. If you choose to bring such action, you may incur legal costs.

Will my taking part in the study be kept confidential?

All information which is collected about you during the course of the research will be kept strictly confidential so that only the researcher carrying out the research will have access to such information.

Data Management and Storage: Participants are free to work through the questionnaire but data is not recorded until the submission link is clicked. Data is anonymised at the point of collection and  will be stored behind password protection with access being limited to the sole researcher. Participants should note that data collected from this project may be retained and published in an anonymised form. By agreeing to participate in this project, you are consenting to the retention and publication of data.

What will happen to the results of the research study?

The results will be written up into a dissertation for undergraduate projects. Individuals who participate will not be identified in any subsequent report or publication.

Who is organising the research?

The research is conducted as part of ongoing research into maternal and fetal health within the Chester Medical School at the University of Chester. The study is organised with supervision from the department, by Dr Gareth Nye, a Senior lecturer.

Who may I contact for further information?

If you would like more information about the research before you decide whether or not you would be willing to take part, please contact:

Dr Gareth Nye. G.nye@chester.ac.uk.



Thank you for your interest in this research.