Wellbeing of Women

Moore

2003, Moore, Stanier, Reik, Constancia

Placental specific insulin-like growth factor-2 expression and its effect on fetal growth

We still have a great deal to learn about how babies grow in the womb. Around 1 in 20 babies are born very small; this means they may be born brain-damaged or die soon after birth. They can also develop problems such as heart disease or diabetes later in life. A baby in the womb gets its nourishment from the placenta, the tissue that links it to its mother's system. There is evidence that a particular molecule in the placenta, known as placental specific insulin-like growth factor-2, plays a significant role in making sure a baby grows well in the womb. This project will study the amount of this molecule in the placenta of 400 babies, how that relates to their birth weight and how the molecule is controlled during pregnancy. It will help us to understand why some babies do not grow well and may also enable the development of treatments to help them.