CAP-COVID study: pandemic pregnancy

UCL announces 2nd phase of CAP-COVID study: How has the pandemic impacted pregnant women in their 1st Trimester?

The CAP-COVID study, designed by healthcare professionals at University College London (UCL), launched on 25 May 2020. Since then over 5,000 women across the U.K. have taken part in the online survey, sharing their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey is part of a study that will gather information about the experiences of pregnant women in order to provide better healthcare guidance and support for the future of women’s healthcare.

The participant survey was designed by a team of doctors, scientists and academics at the Institute of Women’s Health at UCL. The survey can be found on www.cap-covid.uk/ . It is an online survey and is open to women who are currently pregnant, currently with a focus on women in their first trimester.

The study’s Principal Investigator Dr. Neerujah Balachandren said that the study is crucial to understanding the direct impact of the virus on mother and baby health, now and to prepare us for future pandemics.

Dr. Balachandren said: ”The information gathered from the CAP-COVID study will inform current public health advice during the pandemic. It will also allow for better support and public healthcare provision for women in the future.”

To take the CAP-COVID survey you need to be 18-45, and currently pregnant. The survey is voluntary and is currently focussing on women in their first trimester:

“We are keen to hear from women who are in their first three months of pregnancy, as we have limited information from this group. Their contribution is important even if they are not sure about continuing their pregnancy.” said Dr. Balachandren.

You can find useful information about the study, the team, and how your information will be used on the CAP-COVID website www.cap-covid.uk. Information about the results of the study can also be found on the website.

CAP-COVID is a public health initiative being undertaken by the Institute of Women’s Health (IfWH) at University College London (UCL). The CAP-COVID study is funded by hospital charitable funds and is a not-for-profit initiative. -ends