First pregnancy? Join this study and nab an extra scan for free

A group of researchers at University College Cork are recruiting hundreds of first-time mums to take part in a study they hope will help save lives in the future. The IMPROvED study, funded by the European Union, is being run in Ireland through the INFANT Centre in UCC and participating pregnant women will receive free extra access to professional midwives, check-ups and a biometric growth ultrasound scan. Research Midwife Grainne Meehan told us:

"The study will look at the three major problem in late pregnancy (pre-eclampsia, pre-term birth and babies that are small for their age). These problems affect almost one in five first time mothers worldwide and it is currently very difficult to detect in early pregnancy which women will develop them." "We are hoping to develop an effective screening test for these problems that will allow us to calculate a first time mother's risk for these complications in early pregnancy."

The midwife visits involve a clinical check-up and blood, urine and hair samples, then a biometric growth ultrasound scan at 20 weeks. There are two compulsory visits and another two optional visits if the woman chooses. If you'd like to take part in the IMPROvED study call to see if you are eligible: 021 4205026 or email improved@ucc.ie.