Pregnant volunteers needed to help train doctors in Oxford to spot early birth risks
Expectant mums across the Thames Valley are being asked to volunteer for free scans that will help doctors learn how to check for signs of early labour
Pregnant people who are getting care at Oxford University Hospitals and other NHS trusts in the Thames Valley can now volunteer to help train doctors to spot early birth risks.
The training starts in June 2025 at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, with more sessions planned for September, October and November. The project is run by Health Innovation Oxford & Thames Valley.
Doctors will learn to measure the cervix – the lower part of the womb – to see who might give birth early. Giving birth before 37 weeks is called preterm birth and can cause serious health problems for the baby.
Taking part means having a free scan that lasts around 20 minutes. A trainee doctor will do the scan with an experienced doctor supervising. The scan is done using a small ultrasound probe placed in the vagina, which most people say is more comfortable than a smear test.
The scan is safe for both mum and baby. A female chaperone will be there if wanted, and an interpreter can be provided if needed. Volunteers will also be given a free photo of their baby.
Anyone found to be at risk of giving birth early will be told straight away, and a care plan will be agreed the same day. Treatment will follow NHS guidelines.
Katy Hoare, a midwife who specialises in preterm labour at Oxford University Hospitals, said: “Our goal is to prevent preterm birth and improve the outcomes of babies born too soon. At the moment, this scan is only offered to people with known risks and is done by a small number of staff.
“By training more doctors to do the scan, we can offer it to more people and spot those who need extra care. This means we can help more babies before they are born.”
Eileen Dudley from Health Innovation Oxford & Thames Valley said: “We are pleased to support this important training. It’s a good way to improve care for pregnant people and build the skills of NHS staff.”
About two out of three early births happen in first-time pregnancies with no warning signs. Early birth is the main cause of death in children under five and can lead to long-term health problems in babies who survive.
To find out more or to volunteer, email pretermteam@ouh.nhs.uk.