The aim is to investigate the possible effect in children where the mother has received metformin during pregnancy, compared with those children where the mother received placebo. Metformin passes through the placenta and the foetus is therefore exposed to metformin. Metformin has not been shown to have adverse effects on the foetus, but it is nevertheless important to collect as much information as possible about potential effects in the foetus.

In the period 2005-2009, 273 pregnant women with PCOS were included in a study where we wished to study the effect of metformin on pregnancy complications compared with placebo (the PregMet1 study). At the same time, 123 healthy controls were included in the Normal Flow study. In these two studies we found indications that metformin may possibly prevent premature labour.

About the study

The study was started in winter 2016, and is expected to be finished summer/autumn 2016. The study has been approved by the Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REC) Central. The study is financed by The Research Council of Norway, Novo Nordisk and NTNU/St. Olavs Hospital.