MAGENTA News. Published 25/02/2025
Meet Sophie Barry, the Research Midwife for the MAGENTA Project, a study exploring how increased heat affects pregnancy outcomes.
We chatted with Sophie to learn more about her journey into midwifery, her passion for caring for mums and babies, and her role in the MAGENTA Project.
What made you want to become a midwife?
When I was about 13 or 14, my sister was pregnant with my nephew (I now have five nieces and nephews!). I was fascinated by her pregnancy and wanted to go to every midwife appointment with her. From then on, I just knew I wanted to be a midwife!
I have always loved the idea of building strong relationships with women and their families, making sure they feel supported and cared for. Pregnancy is such an exciting but sometimes overwhelming time, and I wanted to be part of helping women feel confident and safe on their journey to motherhood.
What sparked your interest in research, and why did you join the MAGENTA Project?
Before starting my Midwifery Degree, I went to university to do a Psychology degree, as deep down, I knew research was something I was interested in. I have always loved going to school or university and learning new things (I am currently learning Welsh, Shwmae!), and I knew that in the future, I would want to become a Research Midwife—and here I am!
It’s so important to study maternal and baby health, especially in a rapidly changing world. For midwives to be able to provide the best evidence-based information and care, we must research areas of importance, and a perfect example of this is how heat waves can affect pregnancy outcomes.
The MAGENTA Project stood out because the team cares about making a difference. The research could help improve pregnancy care in the future, and I’m so proud to be part of it!
What do you do as a Research Midwife for MAGENTA?
My role involves working closely with women from a diverse range of backgrounds across Swansea. I will spend time with the women recruited into the MAGENTA study, collecting different samples, and checking over the mums and babies, such as taking blood pressure and listening to babies’ heartbeats.
Additionally, I chair MAGENTA’s Public and Patient Involvement and engagement group (PPIE Group). This recently formed group consists of 30 individuals from diverse backgrounds across the UK, and their ideas and experiences help shape and are critical to MAGENTA research.
How do you see your role contributing to the MAGENTA Project?
As a Research Midwife for MAGENTA, I bring my passion for supporting women during pregnancy to the project. By fostering trust with participants and engaging closely with the community, my goal is to ensure women feel supported and have a positive experience while contributing to research that will help shape improved care for mothers and babies in the future.
What do you hope women participating in this study will take away from the experience?
I hope women will feel proud to be part of something so important. By participating in MAGENTA, they will help shape future practices, ensuring that care evolves alongside our understanding of how increased heat affects pregnancy outcomes.
Recruiting now – Take part!
Sophie and the team are currently recruiting for the INFORMED study, which is part of the MAGENTA Project.
If you are an expectant mum aged 18-45 living in Swansea, find out how you can take part. Participants will receive a £50 shopping voucher as a thank you for their time. This research will help improve understanding of how environmental factors affect pregnancy, contributing to better healthcare for mums and babies.
For more details and eligibility criteria, click here to enrol.