Acute weight change in mothers after elective caesarean delivery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Acute weight change in mothers after elective caesarean delivery
IRAS ID
238770
Contact name
Fiona Breckenridge
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Ayrshire and Arran
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 29 days
Research summary
Acute weight change in mothers after elective caesarean section
A mother’s weight often changes throughout pregnancy and after childbirth. However, it is not known how much weight changes within the first few weeks of having a baby. The dose of some medications given to mothers can depend on their weight. For example, low molecular weight heparins (used to reduce the risk of blood clots) are commonly given to mothers who have had a caesarean section to deliver their baby. Acute (early, within six weeks of delivery) weight change could mean a change in dose of these medications is required. This study is being done to inform guidelines and dosing schedules for mothers after having a caesarean section.
Seventy mothers having an elective (planned) caesarean section at the Ayrshire Maternity Unit will take part. Weight change will be assessed by serial measurements of weight using standardised digital scales. Information on weight measurements during pregnancy will be taken from the individuals maternity case notes. Weight will be measured in hospital on the morning of the caesarean section and again on day one and two after delivery. Mothers will be given a standardised set of digital scales to use at home to self-report their weight 7 days and six weeks after their caesarean section. Mothers will be contacted by text on each of these days with a reminder message. They will be required to text a reply stating their weight on that day. Each individual’s participation will last for six weeks. We expect recruitment into the study will last 3 to 6 months.
A research grant for £250 has been awarded from WOSOA. A further funding application has been made to the Scottish Society of Anaesthetists with any shortfall to be met by the Anaesthetic Research Fund Governance and Finance Committee at University Hospital Crosshouse.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
19/WS/0063
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jun 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion