Taking part in maternity research

What is Maternity Research?

Research involving the birthing population is flourishing at all four hospital sites at UHSussex.  Our aim is to offer maternity service users the opportunity to participate in cutting edge studies that could drive progress in effective care, treatment or medication management. 

Why is research important?

• Clinical trials are a great way to compare different approaches to good practice and look at how we can prevent and treat health problems
• Maternity professionals and service users need high-quality evidence from trials to help them know which treatments work best
• Without trials, there is a risk people could be given treatment which have no advantage, waste valuable NHS resources, or could be harmful

Who are we?

Working collaboratively with the wider research team, research midwives recruit to midwifery and obstetric research studies. 

Our dedicated team of research midwives, doctors and health care assistants understand the importance of evidence-based practice and are well-placed to recognise opportunities to improve patient care.

Current trials

Studies can run for a short time, or over many years.  Here are some of the recent trials that are taking place at UHSussex hospitals: 

CaPE Trial

The CaPE trial is a randomised control trial comparing the effectiveness of calcium supplements plus standard antenatal care with standard care alone, for the prevention of pre-eclampsia and its complications in women at high risk of pre-eclampsia. 

Generation Study

The Generation Study team are looking at babies’ genomes to see if they can identify rare genetic conditions early, so affected babies can get treatment more quickly.  They are also hoping to learn more about genes and health, so the NHS can improve testing and treatment for genetic conditions in the future.  This study will be available at all four hospital sites starting summer 2025.

Mothers on the Margins

The aim of the Mothers on the Margins project is to identify ways to improve the provision of perinatal mental health services for mothers at risk of having their infants removed from their custody, both to help meet their needs and support mothers and babies.  (Available at Royal Sussex and Princess Royal Hospitals).

Multiple pregnancy Registry

The Multiple Pregnancy Registry aims to track complicated multiple pregnancies, triplet and uncomplicated monochorionic twin pregnancies to learn about pregnancy outcomes and address gaps in knowledge.

Snap 2

Raised blood pressure (hypertension) is common in pregnancy, affecting approximately 1 in 10 women. The purpose of the  Snap 2 trial is to see whether an app can improve blood pressure control in the weeks and months following the end of pregnancy.  It aims to improve long-term blood pressure control and reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes and the associated costs to the NHS. (Available at St Richards and Worthing hospitals).

Contact us:

By taking part in these studies women and people can add to the body of knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth and improve maternity care across the UK.  Research can only happen with the help of service users. Help us get it right.

In line with the principles of Good Clinical Practice in research, participation in any study is always voluntary.  If you take part in a trial, but then later change your mind, you can withdraw at any time.  You do not need to give a reason, and your care will not be affected in any way.

Find out more about taking part in research in the Be Part of Research leaflet produced by NHS National Institute for Health and Care Research, or on our UHSussex webpage. 

If you are interested in taking part in any studies, then please contact the research team here at UHSussex.   We can have a chat about which studies may be appropriate for you.