New ultrasound tech could spot hidden placental problems in pregnancy
NCT ID NCT06861309
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study is testing two new ultrasound techniques to see if they can tell the difference between healthy pregnancies and those affected by fetal growth restriction (FGR), where the baby is smaller than expected. Researchers will scan 60 pregnant women every three weeks using a special research ultrasound machine. The goal is to find out if these methods can detect early signs of placental insufficiency, which can lead to serious complications like preeclampsia or stillbirth.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a better way to monitor at-risk pregnancies and catch problems like poor fetal growth early.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study. The new imaging techniques may not prove reliable enough for routine use, and results may not apply to all pregnancies.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Apr 2025
- Expected to finish
-
Nov 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 45 years
- Sex
-
Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Normal-Fetal-Weight Pregnancies Arm: Patient at least 18 to 45 years of age at screening * Normal-Fetal-Weight Pregnancies Arm: Non-anomalous, singleton gestation without suspected genetic disorders or growth abnormalities * Normal-Fetal-Weight Pregnancies Arm: Low-risk aneuploidy screening, if performed * Normal-Fetal-Weight Pregnancies Arm: Intention to deliver at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (CRMH) or Carilion New River Valley Medical Center (CNRVMC) * Normal-Fetal-Weight Pregnancies Arm: Anatomical survey has been performed * Normal-Fetal-Weight Pregnancies Arm: Pregnancy without current fetal growth restriction (FGR) diagnosis * Normal-Fetal-Weight Pregnancies Arm: Subject willing and able to provide informed consent Note: Verify that the most recent version of the ICF was used to consent the subject * Fetal-Growth-Restricted (FGR) Pregnancies Arm: Patient at least 18 to 45 years of age at screening * Fetal-Growth-Restricted (FGR) Pregnancies Arm: Non-anomalous, singleton gestation without suspected genetic disorders * Fetal-Growth-Restricted (FGR) Pregnancies Arm: Low-risk aneuploidy screening, if performed * Fetal-Growth-Restricted (FGR) Pregnancies Arm: Intention to deliver at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (CRMH) or Carilion New River Valley Medical Center (CNRVMC) * Fetal-Growth-Restricted (FGR) Pregnancies Arm: Anatomical survey has been performed * Fetal-Growth-Restricted (FGR) Pregnancies Arm: Pregnancy diagnosed with fetal growth restriction (FGR) by estimated fetal weight \<10th centile or abdominal circumference measurements \<10th centile * Fetal-Growth-Restricted (FGR) Pregnancies Arm: Subject willing and able to provide informed consent Note: Verify that the most recent version of the ICF was used to consent the subject Exclusion Criteria: * Normal-Fetal-Weight Pregnancies Arm: Multiple gestations * Normal-Fetal-Weight Pregnancies Arm: Known fetal anomaly affecting biometric measurements * Normal-Fetal-Weight Pregnancies Arm: Suspected fetal genetic disorder(s) * Normal-Fetal-Weight Pregnancies Arm: Suspected fetal infection(s) * Normal-Fetal-Weight Pregnancies Arm: Non-English or Spanish-speaking * Normal-Fetal-Weight Pregnancies Arm: Unstable housing or transportation * Normal-Fetal-Weight Pregnancies Arm: Any other criterion which, in the clinical judgement of the investigator, would make the subject unsuitable for study enrollment. * Fetal-Growth-Restricted (FGR) Pregnancies Arm: Multiple gestations * Fetal-Growth-Restricted (FGR) Pregnancies Arm: Known fetal anomaly affecting biometric measurements * Fetal-Growth-Restricted (FGR) Pregnancies Arm: Suspected fetal genetic disorder(s) * Fetal-Growth-Restricted (FGR) Pregnancies Arm: Suspected fetal infection(s) * Fetal-Growth-Restricted (FGR) Pregnancies Arm: Non-English or Spanish-speaking * Fetal-Growth-Restricted (FGR) Pregnancies Arm: Unstable housing or transportation * Fetal-Growth-Restricted (FGR) Pregnancies Arm: Any other criterion which, in the clinical judgement of the investigator, would make the subject unsuitable for study enrollment.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Fetal growth restriction (FGR) are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Carilion Clinic Maternal Fetal Medicine
RECRUITINGRoanoke, Virginia, 24013, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Fetal heart strain: a new way to catch growth problems in twins?
- Can toe exercises straighten young bunions?
- How much lidocaine reaches a newborn during an urgent C-Section?
- Ultrasound could replace x-ray for checking stomach tubes
- Heart surgery artery line: does it leave a mark on blood flow or hand skills?
- Could pregnant patients skip clinic visits and monitor their baby from home?