Our research

We are committed to offering women and families the opportunity to participate in cutting edge research studies. Preterm Birth research studies are vital to provide a better understanding of why preterm birth happens and to improve the prediction and prevention of preterm birth.

We will explain any research clearly before offering you the opportunity to take part, and we will always ask you to provide written consent before taking part in any study.

You do not have to take part and your care will not be affected if you prefer not to participate.

The Medical Research Council, Biomedical Research Centre and The Genesis Trust.

Current Research

National Preterm Database

All women attending the clinic will be offered  the opportunity to have their information stored in the database.

The National Preterm Database is a, secure, web-based facility for the storage of the clinical data of women at risk of preterm birth. It captures information about risk factors, specialist preterm surveillance, interventions and outcomes. It is a valuable resource for both clinicians caring for women at risk of preterm birth and researchers investigating clinical care provision, current trends and planning future studies in this area. Taking part in the database does not mean any additional tests or appointments. 

C-Stich

The C-STICH Trial is a multi-centre, open, randomised controlled trial that will examine the effect of using a monofilament suture material compared with a braided suture material on pregnancy loss rate and neonatal mortality up to one month post-delivery in women presenting with insufficient cervix and treated with cervical cerclage.

The National Institute of Healthcare Research (Health and Technology Assessment) fund C-Stitch (logo)

Enjoy your bump

Enjoy your bump is an online computerised cognitive behavioural therapy programme (cCBT) designed specifically for antenatal women who are suffering symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Edinburgh Reproductive Tissues Biobank

The Edinburgh Reproductive Tissue Biobank (ERTBB) collects a wide range of tissue samples donated by women to aid medical and scientific research in the field of reproductive biology. The aim of this research is to develop a deeper understanding about the various complications associated with pregnancy and childbirth, improve diagnosis and treatment of these complications and ultimately help lead to improvements in the health of women and their unborn babies. Whilst attending the Preterm Clinic you may have the opportunity to donate samples to the Biobank. These samples will be used for Preterm Birth research.