RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Investigating the Structured Use of Ultrasound Scanning for Fetal Growth

This study investigates a new plan at Oxford University Hospitals to improve how we detect unborn babies who aren't growing as expected. Not growing well can unfortunately increase the risk of stillbirth. Currently, it's thought that only about 1 in 4 babies with growth problems are found before birth. The study looks at whether a new pathway, called OxGRIP, which includes routine scans at 36 weeks and extra scans for some, helps identify more of these babies. Researchers are using existing hospital data to see if this new approach improves outcomes for babies, making sure care is consistent and effective without unnecessary interventions.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

56,000

Start

01 Sep 2017

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2029

Stillbirth Fetal Death Fetal Growth Retardation Small for Gestational Age Fetal Growth Restriction Perinatal Death Intrauterine Growth Restriction

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a new way of using ultrasound scans during pregnancy to check how well babies are growing. Sometimes, a baby doesn't grow as much as expected inside the womb. This is a significant concern because it can increase the risk of serious problems, including stillbirth. Sadly, current methods aren't always very good at spotting these babies, with estimates suggesting that only about a quarter are identified before birth.

Oxford University Hospitals, working with the Oxford Academic Health Science Network, has introduced a new plan called the Oxford Growth Restriction Pathway (OxGRIP). This plan aims to improve the detection of babies who might be at risk due to growth concerns. It involves everyone having a routine ultrasound scan at 36 weeks of pregnancy, and some people having extra scans at 28 and 32 weeks if certain risk factors are present. It also looks at other important measurements from the scans.

The researchers want to see if this new plan actually helps improve outcomes for babies in a real-world hospital setting. They are using information that is already collected routinely during maternity care at the hospital. This means pregnant women do not need to do anything extra to take part in this study; their standard care information will be used to understand how well the new screening plan is working and to learn more about pregnancy health in general.

Key takeaways

Looks at routine ultrasound data from Oxford University Hospitals.
Aims to improve detection of babies not growing well in the womb.
No direct patient participation required; uses existing health records.
Results could help prevent serious outcomes like stillbirth.
Focuses on a new scanning pathway (OxGRIP) introduced at the hospital.

Who may be eligible?

This study uses information from all pregnant women who received their antenatal care at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust between January 2013 and December 2019.

You would not be included in this study if you specifically asked your care providers at Oxford University Hospitals not to use your information for pregnancy-related research during that time, or if your labour and birth care happened at a different hospital.

Quick self-check

Did you receive antenatal care at Oxford University Hospitals between Jan 2013 and Dec 2019?
Did you specifically opt *out* of research related to pregnancy during your care?
Did your labour and birth care take place at Oxford University Hospitals?
Were you aged between 16 and 60 years old at the time of your pregnancy?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

You don't need to do anything extra to take part in this study. The researchers are using information that is already collected routinely as part of your standard antenatal and delivery care at Oxford University Hospitals. There are no additional appointments, tests, medications, or follow-up visits required specifically for this study. Your standard care will continue as normal. The study is simply looking at existing records to understand how a new scanning plan is working.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct risks or benefits to you from participating in this study, as it only involves looking at information that's already been collected as part of your routine care. You will not have any extra scans or procedures because of the study. The potential benefit is that the findings from this research could help improve how we detect and care for babies with growth concerns in the future, potentially preventing serious problems like stillbirth. Your right to have opted out of research during your pregnancy is respected, meaning if you previously stated you didn't want your data used for research, it will not be included.

Locations (1)

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'fetal growth restriction'?

It means the baby isn't growing as much as expected inside the womb. This is something doctors and midwives want to monitor closely.

Will I have more scans because of this study?

No, you won't have any extra scans specifically for this study. The study looks at information from scans you already had as part of your standard care.

Is my personal data safe and private?

Yes, research studies must protect your privacy. This study uses existing, routinely collected data, and personal details are handled securely and confidentially according to strict guidelines.

What is the 'Oxford Growth Restriction Pathway (OxGRIP)'?

It's a new way that Oxford University Hospitals uses ultrasound scans and risk assessments to try and find babies who might not be growing well, aiming to improve their care.

What will happen with the results of this study?

The results will help doctors and midwives understand if the new scanning plan is effective. This knowledge can then be used to improve care for pregnant women and their babies in the future, both in Oxford and potentially across the UK.

How to find out more

Lawrence Impey

lawrence.impey@ouh.nhs.uk 01865 851165 Official trial record

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