Below are reproduced the guidelines written for the research midwives who took part in the SSPO study. These cover how the midwives introduced the study to the women they were recruiting to take part, and compilations of the research evidence related to topics women in the intervention group might ask about in the course of pregnancy. These latter guidelines were produced in 1985, and so may have been superseded by new data published since. In the case of the guidelines on poverty and financial benefits, supplementary benefit has, of course, been replaced by income support, and other state benefits have also changed.

How to seek informed consent when recruiting women for the study

In this hospital we are taking part in a London University research study which is trying to help women have healthy and successful pregnancies. In particular its aim is to help women who have given birth to low-birthweight babies in the past. (Many low-birthweight babies are perfectly healthy, but some do have problems, and it's these we’re concerned about.) Part of the study consists of providing a personal midwife for mothers during pregnancy. We’re asking you whether you would be prepared to take part in this study. However, I should say now that it's entirely up to you to decide whether you want to or not, and your antenatal care in the hospital will be exactly the same whether or not you choose to take part in the study. Before you decide I would like just to tell you a little more about what the study involves. If you want to interrupt and ask me any questions please do so, or else I will answer any questions you have at the end.

All the mothers who agree to take part in the research will be asked to fill in quite a detailed questionnaire after delivery. This will be a postal questionnaire, so it won't involve anyone actually interviewing you, but it will provide us with a lot of very helpful information about the kinds of things that happen to mothers in pregnancy. In addition to this, half the women who agree to take part will be visited at home three times during pregnancy by a research midwife who will listen to any individual problems, will try to provide any help needed and will collect some information on women's needs and circumstances during pregnancy.