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.
Other research
Understanding how severe mental illness affects women during pregnancy
We don’t know enough about how severe mental illness, and the drugs used to treat them, affect women during pregnancy. Tommy’s is trying to change this.
Other research
Does maternal age affect the timing and ease of birth?
Studies have shown that the womb may not work as well in older women. This may be because the muscle produces less energy so contractions are less effective.
Pregnancy complication research
Developing a training simulator for amniocentesis
Tommy’s researchers helped to create a model that lets medical staff practice carrying out this diagnostic test to make it safer for mother and baby.
Premature birth research
The Tydeman tube: helping surgeons perform safer caesarean sections
Tommy’s is working with Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity to find innovative solutions to the tricky problem of late c-sections.
Other research
Recreational running in pregnancy (SPORT)
From studying 1,300 women, Tommy's researchers found that running for fun is safe and can be recommended as a way to stay fit during pregnancy.
Obesity
Metformin doesn’t affect fat distribution in mother or baby
In part of the EMPOWaR study, Tommy's researchers found that taking metformin during pregnancy doesn't change how fat is stored in the babies of obese women.
Obesity
High blood pressure in children of obese mothers
A growing body of evidence is showing that obesity during pregnancy affects the long-term cardiovascular health of the children.
Gestational diabetes
UPBEAT: using markers in the blood to tell which women are at risk of diabetes during pregnancy
Researchers have found significant changes in blood samples from women who go on to get diabetes during pregnancy, compared to those who don’t.
Obesity
Does taking metformin during pregnancy have any long-term effects for children?
Metformin is a drug used to treat gestational diabetes. Our scientists want to understand whether the drug has any long-term effects on children.
Other research
Understanding how severe mental illness affects women during pregnancy
We don’t know enough about how severe mental illness, and the drugs used to treat them, affect women during pregnancy. Tommy’s is trying to change this.
Other research
Recreational running in pregnancy (SPORT)
From studying 1,300 women, Tommy's researchers found that running for fun is safe and can be recommended as a way to stay fit during pregnancy.
Obesity
High blood pressure in children of obese mothers
A growing body of evidence is showing that obesity during pregnancy affects the long-term cardiovascular health of the children.
Other research
Does maternal age affect the timing and ease of birth?
Studies have shown that the womb may not work as well in older women. This may be because the muscle produces less energy so contractions are less effective.
Premature birth research
The Tydeman tube: helping surgeons perform safer caesarean sections
Tommy’s is working with Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity to find innovative solutions to the tricky problem of late c-sections.
Gestational diabetes
UPBEAT: using markers in the blood to tell which women are at risk of diabetes during pregnancy
Researchers have found significant changes in blood samples from women who go on to get diabetes during pregnancy, compared to those who don’t.
Pregnancy complication research
Developing a training simulator for amniocentesis
Tommy’s researchers helped to create a model that lets medical staff practice carrying out this diagnostic test to make it safer for mother and baby.
Obesity
Metformin doesn’t affect fat distribution in mother or baby
In part of the EMPOWaR study, Tommy's researchers found that taking metformin during pregnancy doesn't change how fat is stored in the babies of obese women.
Obesity
Does taking metformin during pregnancy have any long-term effects for children?
Metformin is a drug used to treat gestational diabetes. Our scientists want to understand whether the drug has any long-term effects on children.