Understanding Placenta-related Pregnancy Complications

A Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activity

Hello, my name is Sung. I am a researcher at Cambridge university interested in understanding how to predict pregnancy complications. I am planning a study and need the help of women and birthing people to shape the project.

🔍 What Is This Research About?

I am developing a simple blood test to spot pregnancy complications—such as pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction—earlier and more accurately than current checks.

🧬 What Am I Measuring?

I am meausring molecules called cell-free RNAs that are tiny pieces of genetic material that come from the mum and/or the baby, and float in the mother’s bloodstream, giving a real-time picture of how the pregnancy is developing.

🧪 Why Am I Measuring Them?

Our recent research found that two cell-free RNAs—Leptin (LEP) and Pappalysin-2 (PAPPA2)—are higher in pregnancies with complications.

I now want to check if these markers work well in a new group of pregnant women, using reliable lab technologies.

🔧 How Will I Measure Them?

Digital PCR: very sensitive; detects tiny RNA amounts

NanoString nCounter: measures many markers at once; reproducible; used in diagnostics

👩‍🍼 Why This Matters

Early identification means closer monitoring, personalised care, and better outcomes for mothers and babies.

🤝 How Are Patients and the Public Involved?

Women with lived experience of pregnancy complications help us:

  • shape the research questions,
  • review information materials,
  • design how results are shared,
  • ensure the test is acceptable and useful,

Their voices guide the direction of the project.

📅 Workflow

Discovery Assay Development Clinical Validation Implementation & Testing

High-level workflow from discovery to deployment.

🌟 Goal

To develop a simple, reliable blood test that identifies pregnancies at higher risk early enough to make a real difference.

🎥 Watch Our Webinar

Below is a short webinar-style presentation explaining the project and how you can get involved.

🗳️ Take Part in Our PPIE Survey

I would like to invite members of public, especially parents and expectant mothers, to take part in our short online survey. Your opinions will help guide the direction of our work.

👉 Click here to take the survey (or scan the QR code below)

QR code to survey

All responses are anonymous and confidential.

Your voices and experiences are essential:

  • Reflects real needs and priorities of expectant families.
  • Uses language and outcomes that are understandable and meaningful.
  • Respects the values and concerns of those directly affected by pregnancy complications.
  • Leads to better communication between researchers, clinicians, and families.

Contact

If you have questions or would like to get involved further, please contact me at: Sung Gong: 📧 ssg29@cam.ac.uk

Thank you for your interest and support!