Our Research:

• Uses animal studies to explore fetal growth and development from conception to a full term infant. It includes examining how maternal health and lifestyle choices (e.g., nutrition, smoking) affect this development and how hormones such as prostaglandins lead to the onset of labour.

For example: We have researched the effects of a pregnant woman’s alcohol consumption and smoking on her not yet born baby’s health. We have learned that alcohol consumption equivalent to two social drinks decreases fetal movement for several hours. (Strong fetal movement is an indicator of fetal health.)

 

• Evaluates diagnostic tests used to assess the health of fetuses, the risk of premature labour and the health of premature newborns and low birth weight infants. We focus on the development of non-invasive tests for the assessment of fetal wellbeing.

For example: We pioneered the use of ultrasound in the assessment of fetal movement activity. Since fetal movement is an indicator of fetal health, we researched and established what a fetus’ normal movement patterns are and discovered that it varies with the time of day. We created a benchmark that is used by physicians across Canada to determine if fetal movement is within the normal range or is abnormal indicating a sick fetus.

 

• Is collaborative, as we participate in multi-centered clinical trials to develop “best practice” standards that are evidenced based.

For example: We participated in the “term beech trial”, a multi-centered Canadian study that determined most babies who are in breech position at term do better if delivered by caesarean section

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