We are committed to improving the care we give to women and their families, which is why we offer our patients the chance to get involved in clinical research studies. There are lots of types of research, from lifestyle surveys to drug trials. Through research we can find out:
- Which treatments are most effective for women
- Develop the advice and information we offer to patients
- Assess what is acceptable to women in our care and where specialist support is needed.
Our research is funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research, and reviewed and approved by UK regulatory bodies. We ensure that research is ethically and scientifically sound and undertaken to the highest standard for patient safety.
Taking part in our research is optional. If we offer you the chance to participate, you will be given written information, and plenty of time to ask questions and find out more before you decide. Keep a look out in the clinical areas, on social media and on our website for information about different students we are currently participating in. Your clinicians may also discuss specific studies directly with you if they are relevant and suitable for your care.
Please also feel free to contact us yourself via email at sash.clinicalresearch3@nhs.net – we would love to hear from you!
Current research
This is a midwife led research study that is looking at the diagnostic accuracy of a hand-held ultrasound device, at around 36 weeks gestation, to determine fetal presentation.
Study Information - Sono-Breech - Cardiff University
Heavy bleeding during and after birth is the most common concern of childbirth. This research study is introducing a new care bundle to recognise and standardise the treatment of heavy bleeding during childbirth. We are currently in the implementation stage of the OBS UK research. You may have this discussed with you during your childbirth experience or asked to complete some surveys for the study team to gain a greater insight into yours and your birth partner’s experience.
This is a smoking cessation research trial that is testing a package of support to assist pregnant women to stop smoking by helping them to make better use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
SNAP-2 - The University of Nottingham
FERN is looking at the management of monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies (intervention vs expectant) with early-onset (prior to 24 weeks) selective fetal growth Restriction (sFGR).
Upcoming Research
We are due to commence the PANDA research programme soon, which will look at whether iron supplements for pregnant people before 16 weeks of pregnancy can prevent maternal anaemia and avoid preterm delivery and other adverse outcomes.
PANDA - Clinical Trials Unit - NHS Blood and Transplant
The research team are continually looking for new research studies that will benefit the mothers, birthing people and families we care for.
Completed Research
iGBS
Development of a serocorrelate of protection against invasive Group B Streptococcus disease (iGBS)
GBS feasibility study – summary results for participants from St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London
| Study title: | Feasibility study for the development of a sero-correlate of protection against invasive Group B Streptococcus disease (the iGBS study) |
| IRAS | 246149 |
| Sponsor: | St Georges University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust |
Dear Participants,
We deeply appreciate your time and effort in participating in our study, titled “Feasibility study for the development of a sero-correlate of protection against invasive Group B Streptococcus disease (the iGBS study)”. Your willingness to allow our team to take samples from you and your baby to test for the presence of GBS and antibodies against GBS has been crucial to the success of our research.
We are delighted to share the results of our study: We have successfully verified the feasibility of collecting and processing rectovaginal swabs and blood samples in pregnant women, as well as cord blood and samples from infants with invasive Group B Streptococcal disease (iGBS) and healthy infants exposed to GBS. This has led to the initiation of a more extensive study, called iGBS3 study, in the UK. Our study found that 17% of pregnant women in the participating sites carried GBS, which is in keeping with previous reports. We also found that the half-life of antibodies against GBS in healthy infants is 4 weeks. These results provide a solid foundation for future studies in the UK and other settings and bring us closer to the licensure of a GBS vaccine.
Any questions, please contact Madeleine Cochet (St George’s University of London) mcochet
Weblink: iGBS feasibility study
Optibreech 1.0 and Optibreech care: Optimising care and options for women with a breech-presenting baby at term. Further information is available at: https:/
REACH: Pregnancy circles for antenatal care and parent education versus traditional antenatal care models.
The WILL Trial - Timing of birth to improve outcomes in chronic or gestational hypertension
The BIG Baby Trial - To investigate the potential benefits and harms of IOL in large for gestational age fetuses at 38+0 to 38+4 weeks gestation