What participants say

"All the samples are taken alongside routine samples any baby would have done in the neonatal unit which was a selling point as no further disruption to baby was needed."

- Preterm participant <32 weeks

"The team explained what information would be gathered and treated both myself and my baby with dignity and respect when collecting samples and undertaking questionnaires."

- Preterm participant <32 weeks

"We took part as the full term baby and everything to do with the study is non invasive and so easy to do. You need to submit some samples, fill out some questionnaires and then do the cool part - MRI."

- Term participant >37 weeks

"The research took up very little of our time and we did not find the process invasive. I'm glad we took part and am grateful to the research team for the work they are doing."

- Preterm participant <32 weeks

"For participating the study you need just a tiny bit time (you need to meet the team for initial consent and fill out some
forms). It is then followed by taking stool samples (mum and baby) at home and then meeting the team for MRI where you fill out some more questionnaires while your baby is getting the MRI."

- Term participant >37 weeks

"Signing up was quick and pleasant. A research midwife made contact and explained about the research and what being part of the study means for us. All communication was so nice and friendly, all my questions were answered and I felt heard and looked after."

- Term participant >37 weeks

"The cool part - MRI. This was my biggest worry as to how will this work, will my baby wake up? Is it difficult? The entire time I was looked after and after I fed and settled the baby he was taken in, wrapped up and in the machine he went. I was explained all steps and made to feel at ease."

- Term participant >37 weeks

"My baby's MRI was a positive experience - very interesting for us and he slept through the entire thing!"

- Preterm participant <32 weeks

"The MRI was a massive positive for me, whilst I appreciate this was only a research MRI it gave me huge peace of mind after we had a very difficult and complicated delivery with my wee one which could have led to further complications down the line. Honestly for me it was a life saver, we had an extremely unsettled baby and if it wasn’t for this MRI I would have been going out my mind with worry that there may have been something else wrong. The MRI photo sent out is also such a lovely touch & a treasure to keep for when your baby is older."

- Preterm participant <32 weeks

"The scan itself was so interesting and turned into quite a fun trip out! The confirmation that everything was ok was also reassuring. The reimbursement of travel costs and voucher were a lovely touch, although we were happy to take part without them."

- Term participant >37 weeks

"It also just sounded really interesting and a brain scan checkup and keepsake was a bonus too."

- Term participant >37 weeks

"The research team took incredibly good care of us during a difficult time in our lives."

- Preterm participant <32 weeks

"The girls are amazing and so friendly. Kirsty made our life so much easier in the unit checking in on us and really made us feel like we mattered during a difficult time, which we won't forget."

- Preterm participant <32 weeks

"I loved how throughout I had an open communication line to the research team and we had informal chats if I had any questions."

- Term participant >37 weeks

"All the staff involved have been amazing, answering questions, making sure all arrangements are suitable etc. I was reassured that it's also OK to pull out at any moment. I didn't feel pressured and found the whole process interesting."

- Term participant >37 weeks

"On behalf of mum and baby we have only positive feedback about the way this study is conducted. I had fun!"

- Term participant >37 weeks

"There wasn't really any hesitation from me for signing us up to this study."

- Preterm participant <32 weeks

"It's been a really positive experience to take part in the study."

- Term participant >37 weeks

"Having just given birth to a very preterm baby, we were keen to take part in the PRENCOG study to support research which might in time help families like ourselves."

- Preterm participant <32 weeks