Identifying fetal compromise after reduced fetal movements: FEMINA3
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of the Outcome of Pregnancies Complicated by Reduced Fetal Movements - Predicting Fetal Compromise Using Novel Biomarkers - FEMINA3
IRAS ID
176958
Contact name
Alexander Heazell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
A mothers’ perception of her baby's movements has been used to confirm fetal wellbeing. Conversely, reductions in babies' movements are associated with poor pregnancy outcomes including increased risk of stillbirth, poor fetal growth and preterm birth. It is proposed that a reduction in fetal movements is a survival strategy to conserve energy when nutrients and/or oxygen are in short supply. Awareness of fetal movements and of reduction in fetal movements may detect fetuses at risk of complications and subsequent intervention may decrease the incidence of stillbirth.
A reduction in fetal movements is a common reason for to attend maternity services in the last 12 weeks of pregnancy. Although there is an increased risk of pregnancy complications, the majority of women will go on to have a normal pregnancy. At present there is no accurate way to predict which women will have a normal pregnancy and which will have a poor pregnancy outcome.
This study will recruit women who present with reduced fetal movements after 28 weeks of pregnancy. In addition to a routine ultrasound scan to measure the baby's weight, amount of fluid around baby and baby's cord blood flow we will measure blood flow in babies' blood vessels and placental calcification. In addition, all women will be asked for a blood and urine sample which will be used to measure hormones and other substances released from the placenta to determine whether the levels of any compounds differ between pregnancies with good and bad outcomes. Placental tissue and cord blood will be collected from pregnancies with reduced fetal movements and its structure and function compared to that from normal pregnancies.
Data regarding the outcome of pregnancies will be collected and the ability of ultrasound and blood tests to predict adverse pregnancy outcome will be calculated.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0481
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion