Alive and kicking: study highlights benefits of extra scan for pregnant women
An extra ultrasound scan for pregnant women who think their baby青瓜视频檚 movements have reduced results in fewer complications in labour, according to an international study by experts in the Netherlands and Manchester.
The findings - based on the scans of 1,684 women - could make the difficult task of determining whether labour should be induced in the final stages of pregnancy easier, resulting in fewer complications, say the researchers.
Published today in the Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women青瓜视频檚 Health, the study was led by gynaecologist Sanne Gordijn of the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) in collaboration with Wessel Ganzevoort of Amsterdam University Medical Centre and Professor Alexander Heazell from The University of Manchester.
When pregnant women feel their baby is moving less in the final weeks of pregnancy, they are referred to hospital where an examination is carried out to assess the condition of the baby.
The examination consists of monitoring the baby青瓜视频檚 heart rate and an assessment of its growth and amniotic fluid - the fluid around the baby it.
Now the researchers have discovered that an extra ultrasound scan - in addition to the other tests- is able to significantly help doctors to see whether a baby would benefit from being born earlier.
By measuring the resistance in the blood vessels of the umbilical cord and the baby's brain they were able to accurately assess the functioning of the placenta and the condition of the baby, making it easier to decide if doctors needed to induce delivery earlier.
The findings of this study will help us to reassure the majority of mothers that their baby is healthy, and help us to focus intervention for the baby青瓜视频檚 who will benefit from being born because they are not receiving enough oxygen or nutrients in the womb
The perception from mothers that their baby is moving less commonly can occur when a baby has changed position or the mother hasn青瓜视频檛 noticed the movement because she is busy or distracted.
However in some cases, reduced movement could be a sign that the baby is unwell, which can be worrying for pregnant women and midwives.
Professor Heazell said: 青瓜视频淲e know that a reduction in baby青瓜视频檚 movements is a common reason to attend maternity services. Thankfully, in the majority of cases the baby is ok.
青瓜视频淭he findings of this study will help us to reassure the majority of mothers that their baby is healthy, and help us to focus intervention for the babies who will benefit from being born because they are not receiving enough oxygen or nutrients in the womb.青瓜视频�
Sanne Gordijn said: 青瓜视频淲e call the ratio between the two ultrasound measurements the Cerebro Placental Ratio (CPR). The idea is that an abnormal value may indicate that the placenta is not functioning properly.
青瓜视频淚n that case, it is better for the baby to be born in the short term. We do this by inducing labour. If the value is normal, it would be better to wait for the natural moment of delivery, as the baby may not be completely ready yet. Women who want to give birth at home can still do so.青瓜视频�
青瓜视频淭he results of this study show better outcomes for the baby when the result of the CPR measurement is known.
青瓜视频淭his means that we see fewer complications during childbirth when this measurement is taken, compared to the current policy where it is not done.青瓜视频�
She added: 青瓜视频淚f doctors know the results of this measurement, they can better distinguish whether the baby's reduced movement has a harmless cause or whether it requires action.
青瓜视频淭his ensures that mother and baby receive the care that best suits their situation.' The guideline on reduced fetal movements will soon be updated; the professional association will incorporate the results of this study into it.青瓜视频�
The study was funded by ZonMw from the Netherlands.
Sanne Gordijn conducted this CEPRA study together with researchers from Amsterdam UMC in 23 hospitals. Laura Lens, the MD, PhD student on this study presented at the international SMFM conference in Denver (USA) and Sanne in London. The study is published on July 10 in the authoritative scientific journal The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women青瓜视频檚 Health.
- The study is published in the Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women青瓜视频檚 Health and is available
- doi.org/10.1016/j.lanogw.2025.100002