Comparison of Non-Invasive Mean Arterial Blood Pressure Measurements at the Arm and Ankle During Elective Cesarean Delivery.
This study aims to find out if measuring blood pressure on the ankle gives the same results as measuring it on the arm during a planned C-section. This is important because after birth, mums are encouraged to have skin-to-skin contact with their baby, which can be tricky with a blood pressure cuff on the arm. Researchers want to see if the ankle measurement is just as reliable, especially 5 minutes after the baby is born. They will compare measurements taken before the operation, after the epidural, and after birth, on both the arm and ankle of each participant. They will also ask about comfort and ease of skin-to-skin contact.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When you have a planned C-section under spinal anaesthetic, nurses and doctors need to keep a close eye on your blood pressure. This is to make sure you stay well and your baby gets enough blood flow. After your baby is born, it's really helpful to have immediate skin-to-skin contact. This helps calm your baby, encourages breastfeeding, and generally makes you both feel better.
However, the usual blood pressure cuff on your arm can sometimes get in the way of this special time, making it hard to hold your baby comfortably or get into the best position for skin-to-skin. This study is exploring a really simple idea: Could we measure your blood pressure on your ankle instead, and get the same accurate readings as we do from your arm?
The main goal is to check if the blood pressure readings from your ankle are similar to those from your arm, particularly 5 minutes after your baby arrives. The study will also look at whether an ankle cuff makes you feel more comfortable and helps you have easier skin-to-skin contact with your newborn. By finding an equally good but more convenient way to monitor blood pressure, we hope to improve the experience for mums and babies during C-sections.
Key takeaways
- Compares blood pressure readings from arm and ankle during C-sections.
- Aims to make skin-to-skin contact easier for new mums.
- No new medicines or treatments involved.
- Measurements taken at different stages of C-section.
- You'll be asked about comfort after the surgery.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for pregnant women who are scheduled to have a planned C-section at Sainte-Justine Hospital in Montreal, Canada. You would need to be at least 35 weeks pregnant with a single baby, and be able to give your consent (permission to take part) in either French or English.
There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join the study. These include if your C-section is an emergency, if you're having general anaesthetic, or if you have certain health conditions like very high blood pressure or issues with blood vessels in your legs. You also wouldn't be able to take part if you're expecting twins or more, or if your baby has major health problems.
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.
- Am I having a planned C-section at Sainte-Justine Hospital?
- Am I at least 35 weeks pregnant with one baby?
- Will I be having a spinal anaesthetic, not general anaesthetic?
- Do I have any problems with blood vessels in my legs (like requiring medication)?
- Do I currently have very high blood pressure that needs medication?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll still have your planned C-section as normal. The main difference is that during your C-section, you'll have a blood pressure cuff on one arm and another one on one ankle. The nurses will take blood pressure readings from both places at the same time: once before you go into the operating room, again about 5 minutes after you've had your spinal anaesthetic, and then once more about 5 minutes after your baby is born.
After your C-section, when you're in the recovery room, you'll also be asked four simple 'yes' or 'no' questions. These questions will be about how comfortable you felt with the blood pressure cuffs and whether they made skin-to-skin contact with your baby easier. This study is observational, meaning you won't be given any new medications or treatments beyond your usual care. The measurements will only take place on the day of your C-section.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- CHU Sainte-JustineVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
Why is this study being done?
It's exploring if blood pressure can be measured just as well on the ankle as on the arm during a C-section, to make skin-to-skin contact easier for mums.
Will I get any new medicine?
No, this study only involves taking blood pressure measurements and asking a few questions; you won't receive any different medicines or treatments.
How long will I be in the study?
Your involvement in the study will only take place on the day of your C-section, for the measurements and short questionnaire.
Where is the study happening?
The study is taking place at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ) in Montreal, Canada.
What if I change my mind?
You are free to stop taking part in the study at any time, and it won't affect the medical care you receive.
How to find out more
Valerie Zaphiratos, MD, MSc, FRCPC, Anesthesiology
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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