We are really excited to be able to share our newly published paper, titled ‘Using Intervention Mapping to Codevelop Orchid, a Digital Tool for Reproductive Life Planning: Development and Feasibility Study’. Which brings together several years of research, collaboration, creativity, and practical implementation. Orchid was co-developed to support people of reproductive age to understand their pregnancy preferences and create a

Now that we’ve finished the pilot and analysed the results, we’ve been working on posters and academic papers to share our findings. We followed a set process to create Orchid, making sure we had properly researched the market, included all the things proven to help people make positive changes to their behaviour, and discussed every stage of its development with

In March 2025, the Orchid research team visited Langley Park School for Girls, a secondary school in South London, to introduce Year 12 and 13 students and teachers to Orchid as part of our pilot study. We ran three sessions at the school. During the first, the students used Orchid guided by various scenarios. In the second, we gathered student

The pilot study of Orchid, the new digital tool to support reproductive life planning, is in full swing in three NHS healthcare settings: a GP practice in South London, a sexual health clinic in Hackney and a Women’s Health Hub in Tower Hamlets. Each site received training from a GP in our team prior to the launch, along with a

In the UK, nearly half of all pregnancies are unplanned, which can be a source of significant stress and uncertainty for individuals and couples; navigating unplanned pregnancies can be a complex and emotionally demanding experience. Our research and work to date indicates a clear and unaddressed need amongst individuals of reproductive age for support in developing and achieving their reproductive

Being prepared for pregnancy has been linked to better outcomes for both mothers and their babies (1,2). This preparation can involve optimising existing medical conditions, modifying behaviour like smoking, and taking vitamins such as folic acid. Currently, 90% of women of reproductive age in the UK have at least one risk factor that could be targeted before pregnancy (3). Despite

On Saturday the 16th of September Dr Hall attended a public engagement in research event for the local Bangladeshi community in North London. Dr Hall spoke to attendees about whether they would like any (more) children and depending on what they said provided information on the range of contraception available, or how to plan and prepare for pregnancy. Visitors were