The ON-TRACK project created, in partnership with women, a series of self-help educational videos on perinatal anxiety, postnatal sexual health and pelvic girdle pain.
The videos address the definitions of anxiety, sexual health and pelvic girdle pain respectively, and aim to help women understand the common health issues that may occur in these areas, and the impact on everyday life.
The videos present self-help steps that women may take to address health concerns, and illustrate how to seek support from appropriate healthcare professionals, when needed.
These video were funded by the Health Research Board Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination Scheme (HRB-KEDS).
Perinatal Anxiety: Intro to Perinatal Anxiety
Dr Deirdre Daly, principal investigator and founder of the MAMMI study, introduces the perinatal anxiety component of the maternal health educational resource package ON-TRACK.
Perinatal Anxiety - Video 1
Anxiety during pregnancy and in the postnatal period is as common as depression. In the MAMMI study, 1 in 14 women told us that they experienced anxiety before they became pregnant for the first time. Almost 1 in 20 women experienced anxiety during pregnancy and that increased to 1 in 8 women three months after the baby was born.
This video, presented by Professor Agnes Higgins, discusses what perinatal anxiety is, and how to know the difference between the 'normal worries' of motherhood and anxiety that is affecting the quality of your life and may require professional support.
Perinatal Anxiety - Video 2
Recognising when anxiety is negatively affecting your life, health and relationships is the first step towards returning to good mental health. It is important for your next step to be a positive action; that is, seeking help.
In this video, Professor Agnes Higgins addresses the stigma around mental health and motherhood, and talks about how you can start a conversation about your mental health with a partner, your family or a healthcare professional.
Perinatal Anxiety - Video 3
If you are pregnant, it is good to create a pregnancy and post-partum wellness plan now, this can be for women who are entering pregnancy and motherhood with previous experiences of anxiety or other mental health issues, but it is also for women who never have. Planning now means that you will have the tools and resources in place to help you maintain good health or to help you get well if you do experience challenges.
In this video Professor Agnes Higgins discusses steps you can take to create a mental wellness plan.
Postpartum Sexual Health: Intro to Sexual Heath Postpartum
Dr Deirdre Daly, principal investigator and founder of the MAMMI study, introduces the sexual health component of the maternal health educational resource package ON-TRACK.
Postpartum Sexual Health - Video 1
Sexual health in the postpartum period is multidimensional; it is influenced by physical, psychological and relationship issues. Many women experience sexual health issues after the birth of their first baby. We found out from the MAMMI study that one in two women experienced pain when they started having sex again, up to three months after birth. Women also told us that they had less vaginal lubrication and a loss of interest in sex.
In this video, Dr Deirdre O'Malley discusses what these issues are, how common they are, how long they might last and who is more likely to experience them.
Postpartum Sexual Health - Video 2
After birth, many women can face changes and challenges to their sexual and intimate relationships.
Postpartum Sexual Health - Video 3
After birth, many women can face changes and challenges to their sexual and intimate relationships. Fortunately, for most women, these problems decreased over time. However, if you continue to experience pain and discomfort during sex, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional, such as your local doctor, midwife, public health nurse or women's health physiotherapist.
In this video, Dr Deirdre O'Malley and a colleague demonstrate how you can address your sexual health concerns with a healthcare professional.
Pelvic Girdle Pain: Intro to Pelvic Girdle Pain
Dr Deirdre Daly, principal investigator and founder of the MAMMI study, introduces the pelvic girdle pain component of the maternal health educational resource package ON-TRACK.
Pelvic Girdle Pain - Video 1
One in five women may experience pelvic girdle pain (PGP) at any stage in their pregnancy. The pain can vary from being mild to very severe.
In this video Dr Francesca Wuytack discuss what pelvic girdle pain is and how it may impact your day to day life.
Pelvic Girdle Pain - Video 2
Pelvic girdle Pain is common in pregnancy but can be managed by self-help strategies and pacing your activities. In this video, women's health physiotherapist Cinny Cusack discusses some practical steps you can take to reduce pain while moving.
Pelvic Girdle Pain rarely persists after pregnancy; if you are still experiencing or develop pelvic girdle pain after giving birth speak with your healthcare professional.
Pelvic Girdle Pain - Video 3
Pelvic girdle Pain is common in pregnancy but can be managed by self-help strategies and pacing your activities. In this video, women's health physiotherapist Cinny Cusack demonstrates some gentle stretches, exercises and techniques that can help to alleviate pelvic girdle pain.
If any of these exercises increase your discomfort, you should stop doing them.
If you are still experiencing or develop pelvic girdle pain after giving birth speak with your healthcare professional.