City mums-to-be invited to take part in research
Around a third of all pregnant women develop anaemia caused by lack of iron which increases the risks to mum and babies during pregnancy and childbirth.
Now women across Lincolnshire, who are under 16 weeks pregnant are being recruited to take part in research by taking low dose iron supplements to prevent anaemia.
The PANDA trial (Primary prevention of maternal ANaemia to avoid preterm Delivery and other Adverse outcomes) could be a huge step forward to reducing the risks as Research Midwife Amanda Mumby Croft explained.
“We are currently recruiting pregnant women for the PANDA trial, which looks at the benefits of starting women on iron tablets early in their pregnancy.
“Most pregnant women will be eligible for this research, and it’s hoped that the results will ultimately contribute to changes in national guidance.”
Amanda’s role is new across hospitals in Lincolnshire: “It enables me to bring studies to our maternity services and, with a wider team, help embed research to improve patient care.”
If you would like to be involved, please email
The launch of PANDA coincided with the International Day of the Midwife, which celebrates the vital role these healthcare workers play across the globe.
“Fifteen years ago, I started my midwifery career at Lincoln County Hospital. I move between wards and clinics, gaining skills and being part of many pregnancy and birth stories, some positive and some negative but in all I felt an overwhelming privilege to be with women and their families at such a special time in their lives.
“For me, it is about being ‘with woman’ (the meaning of the word ‘midwife’) and having a positive influence on that woman’s pregnancy and birth journey.
“I am passionate about supporting women to make their own choices about their care; and especially facilitating and promoting homebirth.
“For many low-risk women, research has found homebirth is as safe as hospital birth. I have worked with women who chose to give birth at home and with support, they have gone on to achieve their dream of a normal vaginal birth in their own home.
“For anyone who is interested in becoming a midwife – think about why you want to do it – make sure it’s for the right reasons and you will become a great midwife. It certainly isn’t for the faint hearted and probably not the easiest career, but take it from me, it really is 100% worth it.”
See the United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals Trust website here.
