Oxford University Hospitals expands pregnancy growth monitoring pathway following national guidance
Changes to foetal growth surveillance will provide additional scans for women with identified risk factors
Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) has updated its approach to monitoring foetal growth during pregnancy, following a review of its scanning pathway and in response to feedback received.
The changes bring the trust’s late pregnancy surveillance process into line with the national recommendations outlined in NHS England’s Saving Babies’ Lives Care Bundle.
Under the revised pathway, women who have known risk factors associated with babies being smaller than expected will now be offered ongoing growth scans after 36 weeks of pregnancy. This will apply even if earlier checks, including the uterine artery Doppler scan at 20 weeks and the 36-week assessment, have shown no concerns.
The updated approach is designed to provide continued monitoring for women who may benefit from closer surveillance during the later stages of pregnancy.
The new arrangements have been introduced with immediate effect, and OUH has also commissioned an independent review of its foetal growth scanning pathway to support ongoing improvements in care.
Women who are currently receiving maternity care with OUH do not need to take any action. Any changes relevant to their individual pregnancy will be discussed by their midwife or doctor at their next appointment.