Can new imaging techniques help us to detect umbilical cord abnormalities in pregnancy?
This research aims to better understand how the placenta and umbilical cord develop and explore new ways to monitor them during pregnancy. Sometimes, issues with these vital structures can lead to complications like high blood pressure in pregnancy or problems with baby's growth. Currently, it's hard to see these structures clearly before birth. This study uses special scans, including ultrasound and MRI, to get a detailed picture of the placenta and umbilical cord from early to late pregnancy. The goal is to see if these scanning techniques can help identify pregnancies that might be at higher risk of complications and improve care for pregnant women and their babies in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research wants to understand more about the placenta and umbilical cord. These are really important for a healthy pregnancy, acting like a lifeline for the baby. Sometimes, problems with how they are formed or how they work can lead to complications, such as the baby not growing as well as expected, or the mother developing conditions like pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy). In rare cases, these issues can also be linked to stillbirth.
Currently, it's hard for doctors to get a good look at the placenta and umbilical cord before the baby is born. This makes it difficult to understand why problems sometimes occur and how they might affect the health of both the mother and baby in the long term. It also means we're limited in how well we can spot potential issues during pregnancy. This study hopes to change that.
Researchers will use special types of scans, like ultrasound and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), to create detailed images of the placenta and umbilical cord throughout pregnancy. By doing this, they hope to build a clearer picture of how these structures normally grow and change. Ultimately, they want to find out if these advanced scanning methods can help identify pregnancies that might be at risk of complications earlier, leading to better care for mums and babies in the future.
Key takeaways
- Aims to improve understanding of placenta and umbilical cord development.
- Uses ultrasound and MRI scans to get detailed images.
- Could help identify pregnancies at risk of complications earlier.
- Participation involves scan appointments and blood tests.
- No direct benefit, but helps improve future pregnancy care.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be pregnant with one baby and live in the Lothian area. You should be between 16 and 50 years old. Your pregnancy must be past 12 weeks but not yet at term.
There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to take part. For example, if you're not pregnant, or if you're expecting more than one baby (like twins). You also can't participate if you have a known major health problem with your baby's heart or brain, or if you have any metal implants or devices in your body that make having an MRI scan unsafe, or if you have severe claustrophobia.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 16 and 50 years old?
- Are you pregnant with only one baby?
- Do you live in the Lothian area?
- Are you at least 12 weeks pregnant but not yet at term?
- Do you have no medical reasons preventing an MRI scan (e.g., certain metal implants or severe claustrophobia)?
- Does your baby not have a diagnosed major heart or brain abnormality?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll have either one or a few study visits during your pregnancy. If you join before 30 weeks of pregnancy, you might have up to three visits, each at least eight weeks apart. If you join after 30 weeks, it will be a single visit.
At these visits, you will have an MRI scan (up to two times in total over the study). This scan involves lying still inside a large tube-like machine for 30 to 60 minutes to take detailed pictures of your womb, baby, placenta, umbilical cord, and pelvis. You will also have an ultrasound scan at each visit, similar to your regular pregnancy scans. This involves gel on your tummy and a handheld probe, lasting 15 to 45 minutes. We'll take pictures of the placenta and umbilical cord, including 3D images, and measure blood flow. We'll also ask for a small blood sample at each visit. After your baby is born and the umbilical cord is cut, we'll ask for permission to collect the placenta and umbilical cord to examine them more closely, comparing them with the scan pictures taken during pregnancy.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little FranceUnverifiedLothian, Scotland
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
The main goal is to see if new scanning techniques can help doctors understand and spot problems with the placenta and umbilical cord earlier in pregnancy.
Will I get any special care by being in the study?
No, you will continue to receive your usual antenatal care. The study aims to improve future care, not your personal care during this pregnancy.
How long will each study visit take?
Each visit involves an MRI scan (30-60 minutes) and an ultrasound scan (15-45 minutes), plus time for blood tests and discussions, so visits could last a few hours.
Is the MRI scan safe during pregnancy?
Yes, MRI scans used in pregnancy are not known to harm the baby. We will make sure it's safe for you based on your medical history.
What happens if the scans find something unusual?
In the unlikely event that the scans show a new health concern, you would be referred to your doctor for further advice and appropriate care.
How to find out more
Rosemary Townsend
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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