A Southampton woman taking part in a unique medical research survey in the city has just given birth to the 1,000th baby born to women participating in the project.

Kerrie Bennett is one of thousands of local women taking part in the Southampton Women’s Survey, which aims to examine the influences on the health of young women aged 20-34. Her baby girl, Neve Marie Sawyer, was born on 21 May and weighed 10lb 2oz.

The Southampton Women’s Survey started in 1998. Since then the team of researchers based at the University of Southampton has interviewed 12,000 women in their homes, and followed 1,000 women through pregnancy.

The Survey builds on work conducted by the Medical Research Council at the University, which has shown that growth from the very earliest days in the womb affects health in adulthood, particularly the risks of heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. The health of a woman before she becomes pregnant may well have long term effects on her child.

Southampton has been chosen as the best place for this study as it is representative of the whole country in many ways, and women in the city have been keen to take part. Those who have been interviewed and subsequently become pregnant are asked to participate in a second part of the study, which looks at the growth of the foetus.

‘I really liked taking part in the Southampton Women’s Survey. I particularly enjoyed the scan pictures. It’s good to take part in medical research to help improve future health.’

Kerrie Bennett, the mother of the 1,000th baby

Dr Hazel Inskip, the Survey co-ordinator, said: ‘Women in the city have been enthusiastic about the study and we are very grateful to all who have taken part so far, and particularly those who have allowed us to study them in pregnancy too. The results will help us improve the health of young women and their children.’