Understanding the role of genetics in premature birth

Brief explanation

Our study aims to better predict and understand preterm birth, so that health complications can be avoided and reduced. Our researchers want to find out if there are any genetic factors that could be linked to preterm birth, by looking at genetic data from people of different ethnic backgrounds.

Researchers

Imperial College London in collaboration between all study sites, Tommy's National Centre for Preterm Birth Research and Genomics England Limited.

Research Centre

Tommy’s National Centre for Preterm Birth Research

Research status

Ongoing project

Why is this study needed?

Across the UK, 1 in 13 babies are born preterm (before 37 weeks) - that’s nearly 8% of all live births, and 6 babies every hour. Some babies who are born prematurely can be very vulnerable and parents can endure agonising months in hospital, unsure of their baby’s future. While most preterm babies survive, complications related to preterm birth remain the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5.

Currently, 86% of the genetic data available globally comes from people of European ancestry. We know that people from Black and Asian backgrounds are more likely to experience preterm birth than those from White backgrounds, and this study will help to establish the extent to which this could be explained by genetic factors.

We still do not fully understand the causes of preterm birth and why some people are more likely to have a preterm birth compared to others. However, researchers have found that there are some genetic factors related to preterm birth.

To get a complete picture of preterm birth, we need to also collect genetic data from people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Completing this research will help us develop more effective ways to prevent preterm birth.

What is ‘genetic data’?

Genetic data is information that is gathered through the genetic sequencing of a small amount of a biological sample such as blood. This allows scientists to better understand inherited (what you got from your parents) characteristics that could affect a person's health. Your genetic data is unique to you. Whole Genome Sequencing is a technique that reads your entire genetic material. It can provide information about whether you are more or less likely to experience certain health conditions. All genetic data collected through this project will be anonymised and held securely.

 Who can take part in this project?

Mothers aged over 18 who have experienced a spontaneous preterm birth at the hospitals listed below and are biologically related to the preterm child can take part. We are specifically looking for people who have experienced a spontaneous preterm birth or a preterm birth after the water around the baby broke naturally, rather than a preterm birth that was medically induced (iatrogenic preterm birth).

What does the study involve?

Participants will be asked to provide a small blood sample (about 3ml, less than one teaspoon) from their arm and share information about their pregnancy and birth. Our researchers will use Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to study the genetic factors related to preterm birth.


What difference will this project make?

In this project, we aim to learn more about the genetic factors related to preterm birth in people from all ethnic backgrounds using WGS.

Our goals are to:

  1. Understand the genetic reasons behind preterm birth.
  2. Improve how we manage and prevent preterm birth.
  3. Develop ways to predict who might be at higher risk of having a preterm birth based on their genetic information.

What if English is not your first language?

Our research team has study information sheets available in various languages. We can also use telephone interpreting services at our local hospital to answer any questions you might have and help you through the consent process.

Did you have a preterm baby / babies at one of our hospitals?

Please check the list below to see if your hospital is included. We're inviting women and birthing people who had preterm births at these hospitals across England to join our study, so we can gather accurate information. If your hospital is on the list, please fill out the self-referral form to get in touch with us. The research team at your hospital will then contact you. We will regularly update the list of hospitals to choose from as and when new hospital sites join the study.

List of hospitals

(subject to change depending on which study sites have the capacity to support recruitment via this strategy)

  • Arrowe Park Hospital (Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust)
  • Barnet Hospital (Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust)
  • Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
  • George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust
  • Liverpool Women's Hospital (Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust)
  • Princess Royal Hospital Telford (The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust)
  • Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital (Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust)
  • Queen's Hospital (Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust)
  • Royal Free Hospital (Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust)
  • St Mary's Hospital (Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust)
  • St James's University Hospital (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)
  • Stoke Mandeville Hospital (Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust)
  • The Royal London Hospital (Barts Health NHS Trust)
  • University Hospital (University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust)
  • Warwick Hospital (South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust)

To take part in the study, please complete the self-referral form.