Research aiming to prevent low iron in pregnancy
Mums-to-be at our Women’s Hospital are being invited to take part in research aimed at preventing birth complications linked to lack of iron.
The PANDA study is being led by NHS Blood and Transplant and the University of Oxford and will analyse whether taking iron supplements can prevent anaemia, a common but potentially high-risk condition during pregnancy and is associated with an increased risk of stillbirth, pre-term birth and other complications.
In the UK one in three expectant mums will develop anaemia and need treating with iron tablets.
Some of the symptoms of anaemia during pregnancy include extreme fatigue, weakness and poor concentration.
It can also increase the risk of infection, bleeding after birth and postnatal depression.
Expectant parents joining the study will be given either iron tablets or placebo tablets to take every day throughout their pregnancy until six weeks after birth and they will have routine care alongside taking the tablets.
The study is aiming to recruit 11,020 participants from over 50 hospitals across the UK. At our Women’s Hospital, we have recruited 102 participants to date.
Emily Pain, the Principal Investigator Research Midwife for the study, said: “Developing anaemia can lead to increased risks for both mum and baby.
“The information we gain from the PANDA Study will help us give the best possible maternity care in the future.
“We want to offer the study to as many eligible expectant parents as possible, giving people the choice to participate in research which may improve care in the future.”
The PANDA trial is one of a large number of maternity research trials currently running at the Women’s Hospital.
Emily added: “We have a very dedicated team of research midwives here at the Women’s Hospital, who are all passionate about research in maternity care.
“Research plays such an important role in improving healthcare and we're committed to offering women the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of studies."