Clinical Research Directory

Wearable Ultrasound Patch in Parturients

This study will assess an investigational ultrasound patch placed on the maternal abdomen to noninvasively monitor uterine activity, obtain fetal images and physiologic measurements in labor. Through this study, the investigators hope to determine the feasibility, signal quality, and measurement accuracy of wearable ultrasound for monitoring uterine activity and fetal wellbeing in the peripartum setting. The knowledge gained may support development of future wearable ultrasound systems capable of providing hands-free, longitudinal, quantitative and non-invasive information about uterine contraction patterns, as well as fetal anatomy, cardiac activity and circulation, thereby complementing existing intrapartum monitoring technologies.

Development of a Multidimensional Predictive Model of Dystocic Labor. Association of Physical Condition and Psychosocial Factors With the Birth Process and Breastfeeding Success.

The goal of this observational study is to learn how a pregnant woman's physical fitness and emotional well-being can help predict the type of birth she will have (such as a natural vaginal birth versus a cesarean section or a birth requiring medical assistance). The study focuses on pregnant women in their third trimester (after 28 weeks of pregnancy). The main questions the study aims to answer are: * Can simple tests of physical strength and questions about emotions (like fear of childbirth) help health professionals predict if a birth might have complications or lack of progress? * Do a woman's physical activity and confidence levels during pregnancy affect her ability to successfully breastfeed her baby for up to 6 months? Participants will be asked to: * Perform two simple physical tests during a clinic visit: a hand-grip test (dynamometry test) and a test to see how many times they can stand up from a chair in 30 seconds (Chair Stand Test, CST). * Complete surveys about their daily physical activity (PPAQ-S), their feelings and fears regarding childbirth (WDEQ-A), and how confident they feel about handling the final stage of birth and the pushing phase (CBSEI-16). * Answer brief follow-up phone calls one month and six months after the birth to talk about how breastfeeding is going.