An investigation into placental biomarkers of maturation and ageing in South Asian Women

This project aims to measure known markers of fetal and placental maturation (cortisol, progesterone and IGF-1) in maternal blood collected prospectively over pregnancy and cord and placental tissue to determine whether expression patterns differ between women of different ethnicities and correlate with gestation of birth, onset of labour and baby birth weight.

It is expected that this study will provide a greater understanding of how maternal and placental factors influence birth outcomes; in a diverse population. Results may identify biomarkers to help track the pregnancy progression of South Asian born women, allowing for interventions that are tailored to this unique population.