The MAMA Study

Are you pregnant and living with inflammatory arthritis?

Is your arthritis currently being treated with a biologic?

Researchers at the University of Oxford are trying to find out whether it is better to stop or continue biologic medications during the later stages of pregnancy. Both approaches are currently used across the UK — this study aims to find out which is safer and more effective for mothers and their babies.

If you're interested in taking part, click below to register your interest, and a member of the study team will get in touch with you.

About the study

If you take part, you will be randomly allocated by a computer to one of two groups:

The stopping group: You will stop your biologic before 28 weeks of pregnancy and restart no earlier than 2 weeks after giving birth
The continuing group: You will continue taking your biologic throughout pregnancy

No other changes will be made to your arthritis treatment as a result of taking part.

You'll also be asked to complete short questionnaires when you join the study, monthly during pregnancy, and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after your baby is born. These cover your arthritis symptoms, treatment, and you and your baby's health and quality of life.

If you take part, you will be randomly allocated by a computer to one of two groups:

The stopping group: You will stop your biologic before 28 weeks of pregnancy and restart no earlier than 2 weeks after giving birth
The continuing group: You will continue taking your biologic throughout pregnancy

No other changes will be made to your arthritis treatment as a result of taking part.

Who can take part?

You may be eligible to take part if you:

Are pregnant

Have been diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis
Are currently taking a biologic medication for your arthritis

Additional study

If you decide to take part, your baby may also be invited to take part in a related study looking at their immune system.

We want to hear from you

Your participation could help shape treatment guidance for pregnant people with inflammatory arthritis across the UK.

If you're interested in taking part, click below to get started.

Your participation could help shape treatment guidance for pregnant people with inflammatory arthritis across the UK.

If you're interested in taking part, click below to get started.

The MAMA Study has been reviewed and approved by the relevant ethics authorities (IRAS ID: 1009876). Conducted by the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU), University of Oxford. For questions, contact mama@npeu.ox.ac.uk or visit www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/mama.