Abstract

We explore pregnant women's views of participation in a clinical research trial while pregnant. We interviewed 19 women who had recently participated in a trial at a single recruiting site, during their recent pregnancy. The trial was a national, multi-site randomized controlled trial of a diagnostic test for preeclampsia: Placental Growth Factor (the PARROT trial). We identified four major themes from our interviews with women: (a) Understanding of preeclampsia, (b) Motivators for clinical trial participation, (c) Barriers to decision making and (d) Influence of PARROT Ireland on pregnancy experience. Women were generally interested and positively inclined to participate in research during pregnancy. The potential of risk is an important consideration for eligible pregnant woman. Information and support by both researchers and clinicians are paramount in aiding women's understanding of a research trial.