Dr Teresa MacDonald’s research in the news

Dr Teresa MacDonald research was featured in the Herald Sun newspaper and online in an article by Lucie van den berg published on 22 October 2017.

Melbourne researchers have found a new warning sign that may indicate a baby’s life is at risk in late pregnancy.

Mercy Hospital for Women found normal-sized babies who had a significant slowdown in growth in the third trimester are likely suffering from a poorly functioning placenta — a major risk factor for stillbirth.

It’s hoped that by identifying babies at risk, and monitoring them closely, more lives could be saved.

Lead author, obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Teresa MacDonald said weight was used as a measure of how well the placenta was delivering oxygen and nutrients to the baby. Babies who are underweight for their gestational age face a higher risk of stillbirth and are closely monitored during pregnancy, and delivery can be brought forward.

“But babies that are small only account for half of all stillbirths — the other half occur in babies who are classed as a normal size,” Dr MacDonald said.

Her research at Mercy Perinatal and University of Melbourne followed 347 first-time mothers who had ultrasounds at 28 and 36 weeks to track the baby’s weight and growth.

To read the full article click on this link.