Would you like to participate in a clinical study to improve birth outcomes and reduce emergency caesarean births?
The purpose of this study is to establish whether maternal blood test and/or ultrasound scans to assess fetal wellbeing done after 35 weeks gestation but before labour can reliably identify babies that may become stressed and require emergency birth (either by caesarean section or using forceps or vacuum).
The ultrasound scan will assess blood flow in the baby’s umbilical cord, liver and brain while levels of various hormones and other markers of placental function (biomarkers) will be measured in maternal blood.
What you need to know
Who can take part?
Inclusion criteria
o Birthing parents over 18 years of age.
o Singleton pregnancy.
o Planning a vaginal birth at term (>37 weeks).
Exclusion criteria
o Birthing parents under the age of 18.
o Known genetic or morphological condition.
o Planning delivery by caesarean section.
o Planning preterm (before 37 weeks) vaginal birth.
o Multiple pregnancy (twins/triplets etc).
What is involved for me?
You will be required to have:
o A simple blood test at the same time of your routine 36 week pregnancy blood test and
o The opportunity for a research pregnancy ultrasound at 36 weeks.
