Frequently Asked Questions

An opt-out study is a type of research where everyone who meets the criteria is automatically included unless they choose not to take part. It is designed to make it easier for large numbers of people to join a study without extra paperwork, while still giving you full control over your decision. You can opt out at any time and your choice will always be respected.

From 1 September 2025 C-GULL will use an opt out approach so that more families can take part and we can build a better understanding of the health and lives of children and parents in Liverpool. This approach is often used in large studies because it makes joining simpler and removes unnecessary steps for families.

Liverpool Women’s Hospital is a research active hospital and sees research as an important part of routine care. Opt out studies are a practical way to run large programmes like C-GULL, making it easier for families to take part while still respecting individual choice and following strict ethical standards.

For C-GULL to give the best results, participants need to reflect the real population of Liverpool. The opt out process helps achieve this by making participation simple and inclusive, so the study captures the experiences of as many families as possible.

If you are eligible you will be automatically included in the study unless you tell us you do not want to take part. You are eligible if you are aged 16 or over and have chosen to have your care at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.

If you are already taking part in the study for a previous pregnancy you will not be asked to join again for any future pregnancies.

You will receive clear information early in pregnancy so you can decide whether to stay in the study or opt out. You can still choose which optional parts of the study you wish to take part in such as surveys face to face visits and sample collection and you can change your mind at any time.

If you do not opt out you will be part of the C-GULL study alongside many other families in Liverpool. This means you will be considered part of the C-GULL cohort. We will have access to your and your baby’s past and future NHS health information, and we may contact you to see if you would like to take part in other parts of the study. You can choose whether or not to take part in these extra activities.

We use information from your maternity records to see who is eligible to join C-GULL and to contact you if needed. This may include your name, contact details, date of birth, NHS number and appointment dates. All information is kept securely and used only for research approved by an NHS Research Ethics Committee. Your details will never be shared with anyone not involved in your care or the study.

If you do not want to be part of C-GULL, you can opt out at any time. You can do this online or by phone. Once you opt out, your information will not be used for the study and you will not be contacted about it again.

If you have chosen to opt-out of sharing your health record for research and planning at a national level, this will be respected. You will not be included in the study. If you would like to be a part of the C-GULL study, you can get involved by contacting us on 0151 795 6700 or [email protected]

No. Even if you stay in the study, you can choose which optional activities you take part in. These might include completing surveys, attending face-to-face assessments or giving a blood or saliva sample. You can agree to all, some or none of these and you can change your mind at any point.

We offer thank-you vouchers for certain activities, such as a £25 voucher for attending your first face-to-face assessment during pregnancy. Additional vouchers are available for other parts of the study and we will always let you know what these are before you decide to take part.

Your information is stored securely and only accessible to authorised members of the research and care teams. We follow NHS information governance rules, UK data protection law and the approvals given by the Research Ethics Committee.

Yes. You can continue to have all your care at Liverpool Women’s Hospital. Opting out will not affect the care you or your baby receive in any way.

You can find more details on our website, in your patient information sheet or by speaking to your midwife or the C-GULL research team. If you have any questions, we are here to help.

A birth cohort is a group of individuals who are born around the same time and often studied to observe their health and other outcomes over time.

Liverpool needs a birth cohort to understand how things such as the environment, including factors like air pollution and access to green spaces, affects the health of children and their families. By following a large group of children and their families over time, researchers can identify patterns and relationships that would not be visible in smaller studies. This information can be used to inform policies and practices that promote the health and well-being of families in Liverpool and beyond.

Samples are important in research because they help us to understand the biological processes that occur during times such as pregnancy and childbirth. Researchers can use these samples to study different aspects of health and disease, including genetics, hormones, and other biological markers. In a birth cohort study, researchers collect samples from babies and their parents over time to better understand how factors such as the environment, lifestyle, and genetics impact health and development. By collecting and analysing these samples, researchers can gain insights that may lead to the development of new treatments and interventions to improve health outcomes for babies and their families.

Having access to your hospital notes is necessary in order to gather detailed information about your medical history and pregnancy experience. This information is critical for the study team to understand the factors that may impact the health of both you and your baby. The data collected from the hospital notes will be used to build a comprehensive picture of your health, which will then be used to help inform future research and improve the health of babies and their families in the future. By accessing your hospital notes, the study team will be able to ensure that the data collected is accurate and reliable, which will ultimately help to make the study more robust and valuable.

Yes, you can still take part in the study even if you don't have a phone or computer. If this is the case, a member of the research team can arrange for you to visit the study centre at Liverpool Women's Hospital where they will assist you in completing the study requirements. If you have any difficulties or need assistance, the research team is always available to help.

Yes, you can still take part in the study even if you don't speak English. The research team can arrange for translation support to help you understand the study and the questions asked. Additionally, they can also assist you in completing the online forms or answer any questions you may have in a language that you understand. Don't let language barriers prevent you from being part of this important research initiative!

If you're not very confident in completing forms, don't worry! The C-GULL research team is here to help. If you would like to take part in the study, a member of the team can assist you with filling out any necessary forms. Additionally, if you have any concerns or questions about the study, the team is available to support you and answer any questions you may have. Just get in touch with them and they will be happy to help.

Taking blood samples is a common procedure that is generally considered safe. The research team at Liverpool Women's Hospital will ensure that the process is as comfortable as possible for you. The amount of blood taken is typically small and only a few small vials are collected. If you are concerned about giving blood, you can discuss your concerns with a member of the research team who will be happy to answer any questions you have. They can also provide you with more information about the procedure to help you feel more at ease. Taking part in the C-GULL study is completely voluntary, and you can choose not to take part in the blood sampling aspect if you prefer.

Yes, you can visit the research centre at Liverpool Women's Hospital if you have any questions about the C-GULL study. The research team is always available to help and answer any concerns you may have. They will be happy to discuss any aspects of the study with you and make sure you feel comfortable before making a decision to take part. If you need to arrange a visit, you can contact a member of the research team and they will be happy to help.

We welcome dads and partners to participate in the C-GULL study. If you agree, we'll collect a sample from you to extract DNA for our research purposes. The preferred method is obtaining a small blood sample at our research centre. However, we recognise that may not be convenient for everyone, so we're also happy to accept saliva samples as an alternative.

Please remember that your involvement is entirely voluntary, and your support is greatly appreciated in advancing our study. If you require more information or have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. We're always here to provide help and support!