Pregnancy
The research focus of our pregnancy program has been in the conduct of international randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Several of our landmark studies have changed the practice of obstetrics worldwide.
Our scientists are working on the following studies:
- Benefits and risks of different approaches to the management and delivery of twins and breech presentations (Barrett, Asztalos)
- Outcomes of pregnancies in which fetuses are at increased risk of death and long-term neurodevelopmental problems after birth (Barrett, Asztalos)
- Role of the specialized twin clinics
- Normal hematology of twin pregnancy
- Use of a patient-carried record in an antenatal clinic setting (Barrett, Brown)
- Benefits and risks of treatments (e.g., repeating courses of antenatal corticosteroids, tocolytics) to reduce mortality and neurodevelopmental problems associated with preterm birth (Barrett, Asztalos)
- Use of simulation technologies in patient safety and the evaluation of obstetric team management (Pittini, Morgan)
- Role of various genes including TGF, SGLIT-I and endoglin on placental function (Nevo)
- Use of first trimester anomaly screens (Nevo)
- Thermoregulatory response in labour (Akoury)
- Effect of small epidural needles on the incidence and severity of posdtural puncture headache (Angle)
- Use of ultrasound technology to determine needle placement for spinal and epidural anesthesia more accurately (Halpern)
- Use of high-fidelity simulation for obstetrical team training in order to enhance safety in high-risk situations (Morgan)
We have an active nursing research team focused on studies related to:
- Fluid management in labour, including breastfeeding problems including mastitis and low milk supply
- Experiences of nurses in labour and delivery in caring for families whose babies have died
- Women's experiences of sleep during hospitalization for high-risk pregnancies
We also have obstetrical anesthesiologists involved in clinical trials to make labour analgesia safer and reduce the incidence of side effects.
