04 Oct Models of maternity care for women living in areas of ethnic diversity and social disadvantage
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4 October 2021
Models of maternity care for women living in areas of ethnic diversity and social disadvantage
This project aims to evaluate place-based models of maternity care for women from the most deprived groups in Lambeth, in collaboration with the Lambeth Early Action Partnership.
This is a cohort study — which follows participants over a long period of time — to assess models of care for women living in disadvantaged areas, in collaboration with the Lambeth LEAP partnership.
About the LEAP midwifery caseload team
The LEAP midwifery caseload team supports vulnerable pregnant women in the most disadvantaged postcodes in Lambeth to receive continuity of midwifery care. Researchers in this theme use routine data to investigate the health needs, healthcare use and health outcomes for women accessing LEAP services.
The team also carries out longitudinal qualitative interviews with women and staff to explore links between services and inform future implementation strategies.
Covid-19 related work
In the context of COVID-19, the LEAP community of midwifery care was not being delivered consistent to the original study design, as midwifery staff were providing remote consultations and there were staff shortages due to deployment of midwives. This had significant implications for the evaluation of the LEAP midwifery model.
The research team investigated the impact of Covid-19 on women and their families, particularly looking at how maternity and perinatal mental health services are delivered now and in the future. The team particularly sought to involve people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
Key publication
In November 2021, the research team published a paper in BMJ Open examining whether birth outcome inequality can be reduced using targeted caseload midwifery.
The study shows that a model of caseload midwifery care implemented in disadvantaged areas of Lambeth significantly reduced preterm birth and birth by caesarean section when compared with traditional care.
significantly reduced in LEAP caseload midwifery group vs traditional care
significantly reduced in LEAP caseload midwifery group vs traditional care
📰 Related finding — January 2026
Further research from this theme, published in BJOG, found that community-based midwife continuity of care reduces the risk of preterm birth by 45% — with the greatest benefits for women from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and the most socially deprived areas.
Meet the maternity and perinatal mental health research team
 Professor Jane Sandall CBE Theme lead; Professor of Social Science and Women’s Health, King’s College London; midwife and NIHR Senior Investigator |
 Professor Louise Howard NIHR Research Professor in women’s mental health, KCL; consultant perinatal psychiatrist |
Related content
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Continuous care from community-based midwives reduces risk of preterm birth by 45% — latest news, January 2026 - →
BMJ Open paper: Caseload midwifery in disadvantaged areas reduces preterm birth and caesarean section — November 2021 - →
Investigating maternal and perinatal outcomes among women from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups - →
Maternity and perinatal mental health research at ARC South London
Original source: arc-sl.nihr.ac.uk — NIHR ARC South London legacy content archived May 2026.