Welcome to the NPEU

The National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit - Conducting robust research to improve care for mothers, babies and families since 1978

About the NPEU

Areas of Research

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PRU-MNHC

The Policy Research Unit in Maternal and Neonatal Health and Care (PRU-MNHC) began a programme of work in January 2019 with funding from the Policy Research Programme at the Department of Health and Social Care (England) via the National Institute for Health Research.

Clinical Trials Unit

The NPEU Clinical Trials Unit (NPEU CTU) is a fully registered UKCRC Clinical Trials Unit and typically runs a number of large multi-centre Randomised Controlled Trials.

SHEER

The NPEU also conducts Social Sciences, Health Economics and Epidemiological Research (SHEER) which includes on-going influential studies.

Latest News

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New study finds evidence that breastfeeding directly supports children’s cognitive development

Even after accounting for socioeconomic factors and maternal cognitive ability, longer durations of breastfeeding were associated with improved verbal and spatial skills in children.

Breastfeeding is associated with improved cognitive development in children, but it is unclear whether this is a direct relationship or caused by other characteristics which are associated with breastfeeding and cognitive development. For instance, studies in the UK have found that women from more advantaged backgrounds are more likely to breastfeed their infants, and breastfeed for longer. In addition, maternal intelligence is a strong predictor of child intelligence, and higher maternal intelligence also tends to be associated with breastfeeding for longer durations.

Welcome to the NPEU

Areas of Research

PRU-MNHC

Clinical Trials Unit

SHEER

Latest News

New study finds evidence that breastfeeding directly supports children’s cognitive development

Mental Health Awareness Week: Perinatal Mental Health Matters

Professor Marian Knight appointed as new Research for Patient Benefit Programme Director

Parents’ experiences regarding neonatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic: country-specific findings of a multinational survey

Listening Series