Australian researchers have developed a simple blood test for expectant mothers that they say could help prevent stillbirth. Half of stillbirths each year occur because the foetus is not getting enough oxygen. Ultrasound is mainly used to check on the baby's wellbeing in the womb.

 

However, a new, non-invasive test developed by doctors from Melbourne's Mercy Hospital measures a substance called RNA that leaks from the placenta. The doctors say that a rise in the number of RNA fragments during labour increases the likelihood that the foetus is suffering from low oxygen levels.

 

A writer reveals the unspeakable grief that she and her family endured when daughter Georgia Grace was stillborn. According to lead researcher Dr Clare Whitehead, the new test could be available within five years.

 

"We think this test could be used to help to try and prevent some of the 2,000 stillbirths that happen in Australia ever year," Dr Whitehead said. "Stillbirths in half of [these] cases occur because the baby's not getting enough oxygen, and therefore if we were able to identify these babies we could prevent the stillbirths from happening."

 

In the study, blood samples were collected from 20 women with pre-term babies and 30 women carrying healthy babies.

 

The findings are published in the journal BMC Medicine.

 

A large international clinical trial involving seven major hospitals and funded by the Australian Government via the National Health and Medical Research Council is now underway in Australia and New Zealand to further test the theory, Dr Whitehead said. "We're hoping the validate the findings from our initial study to be certain that it's safe to offer pregnant women in the future," she said.

 

By medical reporter Sophie Scott and staff

abc.net