How can I get involved?
Find out the current pregnancy studies happening in NHS Lothian.
Research is a way of improving knowledge about a topic.
Scientists go through a series of steps to collect information and then analyse it.
Perinatal research means research around the time of pregnancy and birth.
There are many questions we have about pregnancy, for example:
- Why are some babies born early (prematurely) and can we stop this happening?
- Why do some pregnant women get potentially dangerous medical conditions, like pre-eclampsia?
The best way to answer questions like these are through evidence-based research studies. We are careful to make sure that any answers are reliable and that the research is safe for the people taking part. This is why research is done within a strict set of rules.
It is also why any study has to have ethical approval. This is when an independent committee checks it to make sure the question is important, the study is justified and every measure to inform, protect and involve research participants has been taken.
