RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Mothers Working to Prevent Early Stillbirth Study 20-28

This study, called 'Mothers Working to Prevent Early Stillbirth Study 20-28', is looking into why some babies are stillborn between 20 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Sadly, these early losses haven't decreased in recent years, unlike stillbirths later in pregnancy. Researchers want to identify things that can be changed, either by mothers or by healthcare, to help prevent these tragic events. You might be asked to complete a questionnaire about your lifestyle, diet, sleep, baby's movements, and the care you received during pregnancy. The goal is to compare information from mothers who experienced an early stillbirth with those who had a living baby, to find common factors. This research builds on previous studies that have already helped improve pregnancy care and national guidelines, and aims to do the same for earlier stillbirths.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Manchester

Enrolment target

948

Start

01 Sep 2023

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

Stillbirth and Fetal Death Perinatal Death

What is this study about?

This important study, known as the 'Mothers Working to Prevent Early Stillbirth Study 20-28', is focused on understanding why babies are stillborn between 20 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. When a baby dies before birth, it can be incredibly difficult for parents and their families. While the number of stillbirths later in pregnancy (after 28 weeks) has fortunately come down, the numbers of earlier stillbirths haven't changed much, with around 1,600 babies affected each year in the UK. The UK government aims to halve stillbirths by 2025, and this study is a vital part of working towards that goal.

The researchers want to identify things that can be changed or improved, either in how mothers care for themselves or in the healthcare they receive, to help prevent these early stillbirths. They've previously done similar work which led to important information being included in national guidelines for reducing stillbirths, such as advice on sleep position, smoking, and caffeine. This new study will use a similar approach specifically for earlier stillbirths.

To do this, they will ask women to complete a questionnaire about their health, lifestyle, diet, sleep habits, their baby's movements, and their pregnancy care. They will compare the answers from women who have experienced an early stillbirth with those who have had a healthy live birth. By carefully looking at the differences, they hope to find common factors that might increase the risk of an early stillbirth. The findings will be shared widely with patient groups and doctors, with the aim of quickly updating pregnancy care to help save more babies' lives.

Key takeaways

Aims to understand why babies are stillborn between 20 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Hopes to find things that can be changed to prevent these early losses.
Involves completing a questionnaire about your health and lifestyle.
Compares information between mothers who had an early stillbirth and those with a live birth.
Findings could help improve future pregnancy care and national guidelines.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are a woman between 16 and 50 years old.

If you have sadly experienced the loss of a baby between 20 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, and your baby didn't have any known birth defects, you might be asked to be part of the 'case' group.

If you are currently pregnant and receiving antenatal care, and your baby is growing well without any known birth defects, you might be asked to be part of the 'control' group. Both groups would need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part by signing a consent form.

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?
If you've had a stillbirth, was it between 20 and 28 weeks of pregnancy?
Did your baby have no known birth defects?
Can you give written permission to take part?
If currently pregnant, are you receiving antenatal care at a participating hospital?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would be asked to complete a questionnaire. This questionnaire will ask about you, your diet, your daily habits like sleep, how your baby has been moving, and the care you've received during your pregnancy. The study involves comparing answers from different women to learn more. It doesn't involve any medical treatments or extra hospital visits beyond your usual care. The total duration of your involvement would be the time it takes to complete the questionnaire.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help future parents by contributing to a better understanding of early stillbirth and potentially leading to improved care and prevention strategies. There are no direct medical risks with filling out a questionnaire, but for those who have experienced a loss, answering questions about your pregnancy could bring up difficult emotions. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this would not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Manchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'stillbirth'?

Stillbirth is when a baby dies before being born, after 24 weeks of pregnancy. This study also looks at losses from 20 weeks.

What does 'modifiable factors' mean?

These are things that can potentially be changed, like certain behaviours or how healthcare is provided, to improve outcomes.

Will I be given any medicine?

No, this study only involves answering questions. No medicines or treatments are given as part of this research.

How long will my involvement last?

Your involvement would only last as long as it takes to complete the questionnaire.

Who will see my answers?

Your information will be kept confidential and used for research purposes only, helping to identify general patterns and factors.

How to find out more

Alexander E Heazell, PhD

alexander.heazell@manchester.ac.uk +441612646484 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.