USS assessment of pelvic structures in pregnancy vs delivery outcomes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
2 dimensional Ultrasound to predict pelvic floor distensibility and predict obstetric performance in women previously having delivered by Caesarean section.
IRAS ID
243706
Contact name
Philip Toozs-Hobson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
A review of the available literature shows the flexibility of the pelvic floor muscles changes during pregnancy in preparation for childbirth. Data analysis shows that this flexibility may influence the way babies are born and the degree of pelvic floor trauma suffered by mothers. It may be that women with tighter muscles are more likely to have an Emergency Caesarean Section (EMCS) birth and/or Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury (OASI). This study will investigate whether there is a relationship between tight pelvic floor muscles and OASI/EMCS so that women can be given accurate information and counselled about their own risks in the antenatal period prior to the birth in order for them to make an informed decision about their plan of care. This information would be particularly useful for women who have already had one Caesarean birth. No other study has looked at the possible link between the flexibility of the pelvic floor muscles and OASI.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EM/0151
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion