Maternal health

A woman’s health leading up to and during pregnancy has a huge impact on outcomes for both mum and baby. Our centre runs two specialist research clinics to address the most common maternal health problems encountered: hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.

Women with hypertension are seen in the Manchester Antenatal Vascular Service (MAViS) clinic and those with diabetes in the VELOCITY clinic, both of which are led by Professor Jenny Myers.

We monitor several things in mothers, such as blood pressure, blood vessel function and diabetes, to see if they have an impact on how the placenta works and the growth of the baby.

By taking measurements throughout pregnancy in the MAViS and VELOCITY clinics, we are understanding the interaction between maternal health and baby’s growth, and the development of serious pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia.

In addition, we are investigating whether dietary supplements and certain medications taken during pregnancy can improve pregnancy outcomes for mothers and their babies.