A MAJOR study tracking the health of babies born in and around York is being launched by the city’s main hospital.

The project, christened BABY – Born and Bred in Yorkshire – will see midwives and doctors at York Hospital working with Hull York Medical School and the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York to follow a large group of babies and their parents from pregnancy onwards.

Principal investigator Professor Simon Gilbody, of the University of York and Hull York Medical School, said: “We aim to study physical and psychological wellbeing over a very long period of time.”

Women whose babies are due to be born in York and the surrounding area during the next 12 months are being invited to take part. It is likely to cover up to 3,500 mothers and babies. Women who join the study may also invite their partners to join.

Elizabeth Ross, maternity matron at York Hospital, said: “We are committed to continually improving the care and services we offer to pregnant women and their families. By engaging in a large research project like BABY we will be able to collect information from families that will help us achieve our aims. We hope lots of women choose to take part in this useful project.

“The midwives in York are very supportive of the study and are encouraging all pregnant women to join in.”

To find out more about the project, email Dr Pat Ansell at pat.ansell@york.ac.uk or phone 01904 321890, or visit the BABY website, bornbredyorks.org