Our research projects
Thanks to our supporters we are able to carry out more than £2m worth of ground-breaking research every year in 4 centres across the UK, into the causes of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. Discover our research projects here.
Miscarriage research
The PRECISE study: how to spot heart problems earlier in pregnancy
Heart problems in the growing baby are responsible for miscarriage, stillbirths and neonatal death. We want to find a way to spot these problems earlier on in pregnancy.
Premature birth research
The link between cell-free fetal DNA and premature birth
Our researchers investigated the presence of fetal DNA in the blood, which they have now shown does not contribute to premature labour, birth or inflammation.
Premature birth research
How does the sperm of fathers with liver disease affect the health of their children?
We are currently investigating changes to the sperm in men with liver disease, and how this also impacts the lifelong health of their children.
Pregnancy complication research
Can markers in urine predict the onset of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy?
Scientists are investigating whether certain chemicals in urine can identify women who are at risk of developing intrahepatic cholestasis later on in pregnancy.
Premature birth research
What impact does ‘mild’ ICP have on the baby?
Tommy’s researchers want to find out what the risks are in intrahepatic cholestasis pregnancies with lower levels of bile acids.
Gestational diabetes
Evaluating the impact of a new antenatal screening for gestational diabetes
Our researchers have lowered the threshold at which women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. We want to see how this affects pregnancy outcomes.
Pregnancy complication research
Predicting which obese pregnant women are most at risk of gestational diabetes
Can a test in early pregnancy identify women at risk of developing diabetes and ensure that they get the support they need as soon as possible?
Pregnancy complication research
PUFFIN: using MRI scans to detect complications of pregnancy hypertension
We want to identify which women and babies are at risk of complications associated with hypertension. To do this, we are using MRI scans to detect abnormalities
Stillbirth research
Improving the management of early-onset fetal growth restriction
Our researchers want to find better ways of helping women whose babies show signs early in pregnancy that they are not growing properly.
Miscarriage research
The PRECISE study: how to spot heart problems earlier in pregnancy
Heart problems in the growing baby are responsible for miscarriage, stillbirths and neonatal death. We want to find a way to spot these problems earlier on in pregnancy.
Premature birth research
What impact does ‘mild’ ICP have on the baby?
Tommy’s researchers want to find out what the risks are in intrahepatic cholestasis pregnancies with lower levels of bile acids.
Pregnancy complication research
Predicting which obese pregnant women are most at risk of gestational diabetes
Can a test in early pregnancy identify women at risk of developing diabetes and ensure that they get the support they need as soon as possible?
Premature birth research
The link between cell-free fetal DNA and premature birth
Our researchers investigated the presence of fetal DNA in the blood, which they have now shown does not contribute to premature labour, birth or inflammation.
Pregnancy complication research
Can markers in urine predict the onset of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy?
Scientists are investigating whether certain chemicals in urine can identify women who are at risk of developing intrahepatic cholestasis later on in pregnancy.
Pregnancy complication research
PUFFIN: using MRI scans to detect complications of pregnancy hypertension
We want to identify which women and babies are at risk of complications associated with hypertension. To do this, we are using MRI scans to detect abnormalities
Premature birth research
How does the sperm of fathers with liver disease affect the health of their children?
We are currently investigating changes to the sperm in men with liver disease, and how this also impacts the lifelong health of their children.
Gestational diabetes
Evaluating the impact of a new antenatal screening for gestational diabetes
Our researchers have lowered the threshold at which women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. We want to see how this affects pregnancy outcomes.
Stillbirth research
Improving the management of early-onset fetal growth restriction
Our researchers want to find better ways of helping women whose babies show signs early in pregnancy that they are not growing properly.