“Healthiest pregnancies and healthiest babies” is the motto of the UCD Perinatal Research Centre. The UCD Perinatal Research Centre is based at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin. It coordinates research in maternal health. This research has a significant impact on both mothers and infants.
The UCD Perinatal Research Centre is internationally recognized. It is known for its work in maternal and fetal health. The centre also researches diabetes and nutrition during pregnancy. It examines how maternal health affects long-term health. This applies to both the mother and the child.
Professor Fionnuala McAuliffe leads the UCD Perinatal Research Centre. She is an expert in pregnancy, maternal and fetal health, diabetes, and nutrition. Her leadership drives the centre’s success.
The centre’s research team is multidisciplinary. Experts come from clinical obstetrics and paediatrics. Nutritionists and exercise physiologists also contribute. The team also includes experts in behavioral science, marketing, and public health. Health economists are involved too. This ensures a comprehensive approach.
The UCD Perinatal Research Centre conducts various research studies. One notable study is the Pregnancy Exercise and Nutrition Study with Smartphone Application Support. It is called PEARS for short. This study involves over 500 women.
PEARS examines lifestyle interventions. It focuses on a low GI diet and an exercise program. A smartphone app supports these interventions. The study aims to reduce gestational diabetes in overweight pregnant women. Initial results are promising. The intervention package reduces the incidence of babies born large.
The UCD Perinatal Research Centre receives funding from various organizations. These include Health Research Board Ireland. Science Foundation Ireland and the European Union also provide grants. The National Maternity Hospital Medical Fund supports the centre’s work.
The UCD Perinatal Research Centre also has an advisory board. Professor Cecily Kelleher chairs the board. Professor Fionnuala McAuliffe co-chairs it. Professor Mark Hanson from the University of Southampton is an external advisor. The board includes members from various UCD schools.
The UCD Perinatal Research Centre collaborates with other institutions. Merrion Fertility Clinic is one such collaborator. Together, they research reproductive medicine.
The overall aim of the UCD Perinatal Research Centre is clear. It strives to enable women to have the healthiest pregnancies. It also wants to ensure the healthiest possible outcomes for their babies. Through its research, the centre makes significant contributions. It advances maternal and infant health.