In 2009 we launched a unique project to save mothers' and babies' lives.

The Baby Bio Bank is set to revolutionise research into pregnancy complications, based on investigating how far these are inherited.  The project is being headed up by internationally acclaimed obstetrician and gynaecologist and recurrent miscarriage expert Professor Lesley Regan and Professor Gudrun Moore, genetics specialist in pregnancy complications and intrauterine growth restriction.

For the first time, medical history and blood samples will be taken from both parents, together with cord blood and placenta samples after the baby is born. This will create a unique and unparalleled resource facilitating research into the four main complications of pregnancy: Intra-uterine Growth Restriction (poor growth of a baby in the womb); Recurrent Miscarriage; Prematurity and Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy). The aim is to provide researchers with the tools to determine the biological and genetic causes of these complications.

"The possibilities are enormous.  It's extremely exciting.  It will be an international resource for obstetricians and scientists."  Professor Lesley Regan

The launch of the project was made possible by funds raised through the Lord Mayor's Appeal. Every year, the Lord Mayor of the City of London chooses one or more charities to benefit from this Appeal. In 2008, The Lord Mayor’s Appeal aimed to save mothers’ and babies’ lives by enabling Wellbeing of Women to establish the Baby Bio Bank.  Wellbeing of Women was chosen by the Mayor at the time, Sir David Lewis, and Prince William was the Patron of the Appeal.

On March 11th 2008 Sir David Lewis joined Professor Regan, Professor Moore and Sarah Brown at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to unveil our Baby Bio Bank Wall Puzzle. Donors can buy a piece of a big jigsaw for a minimum donation of £500.  They can choose the number of their piece and their name is recorded on the Roll of Honour next to the puzzle.  Each piece of the puzzle brings us a step closer to a better understanding of pregnancy and its complications.

If you would like to support this project, either by buying a piece of the puzzle or through other fundraising please contact the Wellbeing of Women office on 020 7772 6400 or email hello@wellbeingofwomen.org.uk putting Baby Bio Bank in the subject header.

You can read the latest newsletter from the Baby Bio Bank team by clicking HERE. You can also listen to a podcast interview about the Baby Bio Bank, with Professor Lesley Regan and Professor Gudrun Moore - HERE

Supported by Mothercare Foundation

Wellbeing of Women