Creatine metabolism in human pregnancy and the potential for oral creatine supplementation in pregnancy

Globally, 4 million neonatal deaths occur annually. Many occur as a result of an acute low oxygen event to the fetus during labour or birth (intrapartum asphyxia). Currently, no oral therapy can minimise the impact of these unpredictable events. Maternal creatine supplementation during pregnancy could support ongoing cellular energy production and safeguard fetal organs from harm due to low oxygen. Although pre-clinical laboratory science is strong, further questions need to be answered, before progressing to human clinical trials. This thesis details the identified gaps in our knowledge and the translational research work undertaken to inform future pregnancy clinical trials.