Research into obesity and its affects on maternal and fetal health will be the focus of a new centre set up by the charity Tommy's within the University.

Tommy's, which is dedicated to improving health in pregnancy and preventing miscarriages and stillbirths, will base its research unit at the University's Centre for Reproductive Biology.

Together, the University and Tommy's will fund nine scientists, clinicians and midwives to work out ways of identifying those most at risk and how to improve health outcomes.

Around 20 per cent of pregnant women are estimated as being obese, with this figure set to increase. Obesity is a major risk factor during pregnancy and may also have a lifelong impact on the baby.

The unit will be led by Andrew Calder, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Edinburgh.

Professor Calder said: “The new Tommy's centre will draw on our existing world renowned scientific and clinical expertise to develop realistic treatments for women affected by the world's latest epidemic, obesity.

“We are delighted to be working with Tommy's and look forward to welcoming supporters to the new centre.”

The Tommy's Research Centre is due to open in Spring 2008 at the Queen's Medical Research Institute and will sit alongside the Jennifer Brown Research Laboratory, which was set up by Gordon and Sarah Brown after the tragic loss of their daughter.

It will be the third Tommy's research centre in the UK . The University of Edinburgh was chosen as a partner following visits to six universities, which were asked to submit proposals. Tommy's is committed to raising £400,000 annually in support of the centre. Sally Tennant, Co-Chairman of Tommy's said: “This is a major step forward for Tommy's. We are delighted to be working with the team at Edinburgh to help save babies' lives.”