STIMULUS: STillbirth risk Identification using MULtiparametric UltraSound
Every year, approximately two million babies die in utero. Stillbirths have long-lasting personal and psychological consequences for parents, as well as substantial costs for wider society. Many of these deaths (between 25% and 60%) are classified as unexplained.
STIMULUS aims to reduce stillbirth rates by capturing more detailed ultrasound information from the mother, fetus, and placenta. Researchers will use this information to better understand the quality of fetal and placental tissue and differentiate between healthy pregnancies and pregnancies that may have underlying complications, including stillbirth.
Over the course of the project, the team aims to enroll 440 participants in the STIMULUS project. All participants are recruited through the South Community Birth Program and clinics at BC Women’s Hospital. Participants are asked to complete a maximum of three ultrasounds throughout their pregnancy. All ultrasounds take place at BC Women’s Hospital.
Team:
Our study team is comprised of researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC), BC Women’s Hospital (BCWH), and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). To view a list of our team members, please see Research Team.
Funding:
STIMULUS is one of a team of global performers who were selected for the Wellcome Leap In Utero Program. Wellcome Leap builds bold, unconventional programs, and funds them at scale. These programs aim to deliver breakthroughs in human health over 5 – 10 years and demonstrate seemingly impossible results on seemingly impossible timelines.
Contact:
Email stimulus@cw.bc.ca
Phone: 236-889-4182 (This phone number is for study recruitment purposes only. Please do not call or text this line. Questions or comments may be directed to stimulus@cw.bc.ca)