Healthy Mothers, Babies and Children
The key aim of our Healthy Mothers, Babies and Children theme is to promote the best possible health outcomes for pregnant women and the growth and development of their children.
Improving outcomes for mothers and their babies
Our researchers are focused on:
- reducing premature birth
- improving long-term health outcomes for babies born prematurely
- minimising the risk of allergy development
Healthy Mothers, Babies and Children researchers work closely with hospitals, doctors, pregnant women and their babies and children. One of the key aspects of this theme's work is the first 1000 days of life. Nutritional interventions in the first 1000 days of life are critically important because of the rapid growth and development that takes place in this time.
Can fish oil prevent premature birth?
Work done by the researchers in our Healthy Mothers, Babies and Children theme has indicated that fish oil supplements could extend pregnancy by at least two days. For premature babies, this additional time can be critical in preventing lung complications and other health issues. Our researchers are recruiting 5,500 pregnant women to take part in this study. If the initial evidence is confirmed by this study, fish oil supplements have the potential to be a safe and cheap way to improve outcomes for babies.
