Extremely Preterm Birth Communication Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring Antenatal Counselling for Pregnant Women at Risk of Extremely Preterm Birth
IRAS ID
357698
Contact name
Ling Lee Lam
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2025/11/94 , UCL Data Protection
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 9 months, 28 days
Research summary
Extremely preterm birth, defined as birth before 28 weeks of pregnancy, presents major challenges for families and healthcare professionals. When this risk arises, families are offered antenatal counselling by healthcare professionals. These conversations often involve complex medical information, uncertain outcomes, and sensitive discussions about survival, disability, and quality of life. While clinical guidelines recommend what information should be shared, there is very little evidence about how these conversations should actually take place in practice.
This study will explore antenatal counselling for extremely preterm birth, focusing on how healthcare professionals share information, manage uncertainty, provide emotional support, and support decision-making. The research will take place at University College London Hospital, which specialises in high-risk pregnancies and expert care for preterm births.
We will recruit up to 20 pregnant women (between 20+0 and 27+6 weeks’ gestation) at risk of extremely preterm birth, along with their partners if present and willing. The study uses two approaches: (1) recording routine counselling sessions using video or audio, and (2) an optional semi-structured interview with women and partners. Conversation Analysis will be used to study recordings in detail, showing how communication unfolds during counselling. Interviews will provide additional insight into families’ experiences. Together, these methods will give a better understanding of counselling in this context. Participation involves no change to clinical care. Recordings will take place during routine counselling sessions, and interviews will be arranged at a convenient time approaching 28 weeks’ gestation or when early birth decisions are made.
The study is funded by Tommy’s National Centre for Preterm Birth Research. By revealing what actually happens in antenatal counselling, the findings will inform healthcare staff training, improve clinical guidelines, and families facing extremely preterm birth receive clearer, more consistent, and more supportive care.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/WM/0110
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jul 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion