The POPPY Study (CPMS 54811, IRAS 301910)

UPDATED - 08/04/2026

The study's primary aim is to determine if pregnancy complications have a negative effect on the health of women following their pregnancy, which cannot be accounted for by any factors which were present prior to pregnancy.

Women who experience placental complications during pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure and kidney problems), gestational hypertension (high blood pressure during pregnancy) and fetal growth restriction (baby being small) are at a two-fold higher risk of developing heart disease and diabetes later in life compared to women who do not. We do not know whether such complications cause heart disease and diabetes directly, or whether these complications happen in women who already have poorer health before pregnancy. We will assess risk factors for heart disease and diabetes in women actively trying to conceive before and during pregnancy, and 9-12 months after delivery to see whether placental complications make a difference to their heart health. This will allow us to understand if, and how, placental complications increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and, therefore, how best to reduce this risk and potentially prevent placental complications in the future.

Inclusion criteria - pregnancy study arm

To be included in the study the participant must be:

• Nulliparous (no previous pregnancy beyond 20 weeks’ gestation)

• Actively considering pregnancy within approximately 12 months

• Aged between 18 and 45 years

• Able to consent and willing to participate

Exclusion criteria - pregnancy study arm

The presence of any of the following will preclude participant inclusion:

• Currently pregnant

• Established infertility

• Planning or actively using fertility treatments (e.g. IVF, ICSI, FET, IUI)

• Assigned male sex at birth

• Severe autoimmune diseases that may impact fertility (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)

• Thrombophilia

• Type 1 diabetes

• Known advanced chronic kidney disease (stages 4-5)

• Malignant hypertension

• Clinically manifest CVD (e.g. previous myocardial infarction, stroke)

• Active cancer/being treated for cancer currently (other than skin cancer)

• Any other condition preventing full participation in the study

Study Resources

Access for the SystmOne and EMIS study resources can be requested below.

For further guidance on using the resources, please refer to the guidance documents and further useful information on the PRIDES page.

The searches have been created with the study specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. 

If you require any further information or help, please contact the IT Specialists:

EMIS: Jodie Button – jodie.button@nihr.ac.uk 

SystmOne:  VACANT

Disclaimer:

Please note the resources provided are designed to assist with the identification of potentially suitable patients and to appropriately code these patients if required.

These resources have been developed based on the criteria provided by the relevant study team and whilst every effort has been made to make them universally implementable they rely on read codes and the data stored in the individual practice's clinical system. These resources are intended to assist with identification but should be used in conjunction with clinical oversight and a clear understanding of the study parameters.

While we endeavour to keep the information, tools and resources provided up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the tools provided for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

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