Welcome to the ATE Study

Thank you for taking an interest in the ATE study “About Teenage Eating”.

Statistics have shown that the United Kingdom has the highest number of teenage pregnancies in Western Europe. These statistics show that teenage pregnancies may result in a poor pregnancy outcome. In fact the mortality rate for the babies of teenage mothers is much higher than for babies of older mothers and teenagers have an increased risk of delivering small (growth restricted) and early (pre-term) babies.

Fetal growth restriction (often abbreviated to IUGR) and pre-term delivery are associated with an increased risk of neonatal mortality and morbidity.  Fetal growth restriction and pre-term delivery in teenagers have both been attributed to the poor diet of the mother before and during pregnancy. Housing, income status and early childbearing and growth status have also been implicated.

Recent research studies have shown babies born early and small are more likely to develop heart disease and diabetes in later life, than babies born bigger and nearer their due date.

Do you want to take part in this study?
If you are between 14-18 years old and less than 20 weeks pregnant you may be eligible. The study is being done in 4 hospitals: St. Mary’s Hospital Manchester, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, St. Thomas’ Hospital London and Lewisham Hospital, London.   If you live near any of these hospitals and you would like to take part or would like more information please do not hesitate to contact the research midwives: Gina Bennett/ Gemma Wild in the research office on 0161 276 5470 or mobile 07716010588 (Manchester) OR Cindy Hutchinson in the research office on 020 7188 3634 or mobile 07960065473 (London).