The effect of antenatal imaging (ultrasound/ MRI) on maternal and paternal fetal attachment (bonding)

Recent technological advancements in antenatal imaging mean that expectant mothers can view more visually precise images of their unborn fetus than ever before. Images can be two-dimensional, three-dimensional or four dimensional, static or dynamic. Advanced image post-processing techniques with high spatial and temporal resolution can offer unique insights into the external appearance and early intrauterine behaviour of the unborn fetus. Antenatal image quality has become even more advanced with the advent of fetal MRI in the last decade. The availability of high quality antenatal imaging offers a new dimension into the relationship a pregnant woman develops with her unborn child and may influence maternal and paternal attachment to the fetus.

This PhD research will be conducted as part of a programme of research examining maternal-fetal attachment in the Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research. It links very well with the current strengths and expertise within the Division of Midwifery and Radiography, such as antenatal ultrasound (Gill Harrison), fetal MRI (Christina Malamateniou) and maternal mental health (Susan Ayers). Expectant mothers will be recruited by the extensive network of the supervisors in fetal medicine research (including King’s College London and the National maternity Hospital in Ireland). This project will offer unique insights on the impact of imaging technology on mothers’ attachment to the fetus in low and high-risk pregnancies, in normal imaging as well as in cases with diagnosed fetal abnormalities. The perspective of paternal attachment to the fetus will also be sought.

The successful candidate for this PhD will work in the perinatal mental health research team at City, University of London, and collaborate with researchers and healthcare services across the UK and potentially in Ireland. Findings will inform future development and practice in antenatal imaging, also in relation to ways of communicating diagnostic information to parents.

If you would like to have an informal discussion please contact [Email Address Removed]

School of Health Sciences
The School of Health Sciences is offering up to five full/part-time Doctoral Studentships to outstanding candidates. We are a leading provider of applied healthcare research and we offer PhD candidates an outstanding research environment: in REF 2014, 100% of our research environment was judged as world leading or internationally excellent and 100% of research impact was judged as world leading or internationally excellent. In the recent Postgraduate Research Experience Survey, 96% of PhD students responding rated the expertise and responsiveness of their supervisors as excellent. Successful applicants would join around 70 current PhD students in the School, providing a supportive environment of peers.

Eligibility
The studentships will be awarded on the basis of outstanding academic achievement and the potential to produce cutting edge-research.
• Applicants must hold at least a 2.1 honours degree or merit level Masters degree in a relevant subject (or international equivalent)
• Applicants whose first language is not English must have achieved at least 7.0 in IELTS or a recognised equivalent
• Applicants must not be currently registered as a doctoral student at City, University of London or any other academic institution

How to Apply
To apply for studentship funding:
• Complete an application form for a place on the PhD programme by clicking here where you will be asked to register before you can complete your application
• Upload your research proposal (four sides of A4 maximum including references) on one of the specific projects listed by supervisors or in any of the areas covered by the research centres following discussion and agreement with a potential supervisor.
Research centres: https://www.city.ac.uk/health/research

• Suggested structure of proposal:
1. Project description; Topic, motivation from the literature, Methods and potential impact
2. How does this fit with the work carried out in the School of Health Sciences?
3. Potential for this research lead to an important question or methodological innovation that might lead to 4* output

• Upload a short cover letter with your application requesting that your application be considered for studentship funding
• Submit your online application form and supporting documents by 30 November 2018. If you have any queries, please the doctoral degrees support officer, Tracy Rowson ([Email Address Removed]).