Live research projects

Twin pregnancies which share a placenta, termed monochorionic, are at an increased risk of fetal complications, such as selective intrauterine growth restriction (where one twin grows more than the other) and twin-twin transfusion syndrome (where blood passes unequally between twins that share a placenta).  

The placenta is connected to the developing babies by tubelike structures called umbilical cords, which provide oxygen and nutrients. Each baby shares a portion of the placenta, allowing each baby to grow. Whilst the function of the placenta is intended to be the same for each pregnancy, each placenta develops slightly differently.   

This study will look to answer an important question – whether differences in the placental anatomy, such as the umbilical cord location, play a role in how twin pregnancies develop. Understanding if certain placental features cause some pregnancies to be uncomplicated and others to develop complications, will help improve the way we care for women with twin pregnancies within the future.  

This could be by enhancing patient counselling for those who suffered complications during pregnancy; potentially providing clarity as to why certain pregnancy outcomes occurred. Additionally, if study results demonstrate significant associations then this could impact how we conduct future monochorionic antenatal surveillance, such as incorporating additional prenatal imaging.   

During pregnancy, the cervix can open too early in pregnancy, which leads to women giving birth too early. When this happens, babies organs are not fully developed, often leading to a stay in neonatal intensive care. For the woman, preterm birth can lead to a longer recovery from labour and more postpartum bleeding.

This study will record treatments to try to close their cervix during pregnancy – such as an emergency stitch around the cervix, antibiotics or hormone treatment – and what happens to women and their babies while trying to prevent labour. This is important to understand more about important rare safety outcomes such as maternal deaths or sepsis, and who may benefit most from these treatments. The findings will impact the information that clinicians can give women, inform national guidelines and help design future research studies.

Renamed to PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects 10% of females, bringing challenges like insulin resistance, obesity, and heightened risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. Mothers face a fivefold risk of passing this condition to their daughters, with ethnic minority women disproportionately affected.

To better diagnose and treat this condition earlier, researchers are investigating whether elevated androgen levels in girls pre-puberty lead to PMOS later in life. High androgens impact 2% of girls aged 4–8, causing symptoms like premature body hair, adult body odour, and rapid growth spurts. Currently, no preventative support exists during puberty, leaving families to manage symptoms only after they appear.

Initial findings show that affected girls show double the levels of key PMOS-indicator metabolites and enzymes compared to their peers. Research will help clinicians to catch PMOS early and protect the long-term health of young girls.