RecruitingObservational

PCN-CRP: a programme for improving the prediction and prevention of preterm birth and women’s experience of care

This research programme looks into how to better predict and prevent babies being born too early, which is a major cause of problems for newborns. The study will gather health information from pregnant women who are at risk of having a premature baby or who are showing signs of going into labour early. This information will help researchers understand common risk factors and develop new tests and treatments. While taking part might not directly benefit you during your current pregnancy, the information collected will help improve care for other women and babies in the future. The study is run by King's College London and Guy's & St Thomas' NHS, funded by Tommy's charity, and will run from April 2024 to March 2028.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Enrolment target

13,027

Start

22 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2028

Prediction and prevention of preterm birth

What is this study about?

Imagine you're trying to figure out why some puzzles are harder than others. This study, called PCN-CRP, is a bit like that, but for babies being born too soon. When a baby is born early (prematurely), it can cause serious health problems for them and is very worrying for families. It also means significant costs for our healthcare system.

The main goal of this research is to reduce the number of premature births and the difficulties they cause. We're doing this by looking closely at three important areas: first, how we can better predict which women might have their baby early; second, how we can prevent this from happening; and third, how we can make the experience of care better for women and improve outcomes for their babies. We hope to develop better tests, find more effective treatments, and improve the overall care for pregnant mothers and their newborns.

This study is made up of several smaller investigations, all working together to solve this big puzzle. By collecting health information from many women, we can spot patterns and learn what truly helps. Think of it as gathering many pieces of a jigsaw puzzle to see the full picture and understand how everything fits together.

Key takeaways

The study aims to improve understanding and prevention of premature births.
It collects routine health information from pregnant women at risk.
Participation won't change your current pregnancy care or involve new drugs.
Your involvement helps improve future care for other women and babies.
The study runs from April 2024 to March 2028 and is funded by Tommy's charity.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for pregnant women aged 16 or older to take part. You might be able to join if you have certain health factors that increase your chance of an early birth, or if you've had an early birth before.

You could also be eligible if you're currently experiencing symptoms that suggest you might go into labour early. The research team will also check if you meet the specific requirements for any of the smaller, related studies within this programme.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you pregnant?
Are you 16 years old or older?
Do you have a personal risk factor for premature birth (e.g., previous early birth, certain medical history)?
Are you currently experiencing symptoms that might suggest early labour?
Are you able and willing to sign a consent form?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, we will ask for your permission to collect information from your existing maternity and health records. This includes details like your age, ethnic background, information about any previous pregnancies or health conditions you may have, the care you receive during this pregnancy, and the outcome of your pregnancy (such as whether your baby is born early).

There are no extra visits or appointments needed for this study, and you won't be given any new treatments or medicines. Your usual pregnancy care will continue exactly as planned. The main thing you'll need to do is read some information about the study and sign a consent form to agree for your information to be used for research. Your involvement will mostly be through allowing access to your existing medical data.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study is unlikely to directly benefit you or your current pregnancy, as no new treatments are being given. However, the information gathered is vital and could lead to better care for other women and babies in the future, potentially reducing premature births. There are no known physical risks or new disadvantages to participating, as your care won't change and you won't be taking any experimental treatments. The only time commitment is reading the study information and signing a consent form. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time without your medical care being affected.

Locations (29)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
City only
London, United Kingdom
University College Hospital Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing
City only
London, United Kingdom
Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Doncaster, United Kingdom
Barts Health NHS Trust
City only
London, United Kingdom
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Bristol, United Kingdom
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
City only
Coventry, United Kingdom
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Poole, United Kingdom
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
City only
London, United Kingdom
Manchester University Hospital NHS Ft (hq)
City only
Manchester, United Kingdom
Swansea Bay University Local Health Board
City only
Neath, United Kingdom
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
London, United Kingdom
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Bolton, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'preterm birth'?

Preterm birth means a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This study is trying to understand and prevent this.

Will taking part change my pregnancy care?

No, your pregnancy care will stay exactly the same. You won't receive different treatments or extra appointments because you're in the study.

Will my personal details be kept private?

Yes, all the information collected from your records will be handled confidentially and used only for research purposes, respecting your privacy.

What if I change my mind about taking part?

You can decide to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is funded by Tommy's, a UK charity dedicated to helping make pregnancies safe and healthy for everyone.

How to find out more

Jenny Carter

jenny.carter@kcl.ac.uk +44 (0)2071887188 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.