A leaflet is being produced for expectant mothers in Bradford to explain the benefits of pregnancy trials in which they may be asked to take part.

Some ten clinical trials are under way at the maternity unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

They include studies to find a way of identifying women at risk of premature labour and whether the drug heparin can reduce the risk of blood clots which can occur when women have undergone an emergency caesarian section.

Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Derek Tuffnell at BRI said people often thought they were being used as guinea pigs if they were asked to take part in trials.

But trials were needed to help doctors and midwives find better ways of caring for pregnant women and their babies.

Mr Tuffnell said that women invited to take part in a trial did not have to decide immediately but could take time to think about it.

"Some people worry that if they choose not to take part in a study, this will affect the way they are treated. This is not the case.

"If they do join a study they can change their mind and opt out at any time and do not have to give a reason for doing so," he said.

Research studies need thousands of women taking part to demonstrate that one method or treatment may be better than another. Bradford is just one of many hospitals taking part.

The leaflets should become available in the next couple of months.

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