OlI gives new insights in pregnancy A landmark study into maternal and fetal monitoring
is now entering its second human clinical study, where midwives at RNSH hope the data collected will shine a light on mother and baby monitoring. Michelle de Vroome, Network Manager Midwifery Practice, NSLHD, said the current cardiotocography (CTG) monitoring really hadn’t changed since 1965, measuring the same parameters. Women in labour are currently monitored via two devices strapped to thick bands wrapped around their torsos, one with a fetal heart rate sensor, the other to track the frequency of contractions. These are then either connected directly to a CTG machine, limiting movement, or wirelessly over a short distance to the CTG machine. The Oli has the potential to help cut the rates of unnecessary interventions, and where needed, intervene earlier to avoid complications. Women have already begun to be recruited into the
is underway at Royal North Shore Hospital and has the potential to help change the way monitoring occurs for the first time in 55 years. As part of the Oli study, 120 pregnant women are currently being recruited to use new wireless monitoring that offers new measures, which it is hoped, if successful, could replace current invasive monitoring that can restrict the mother’s movements during labour. The Oli is a wireless patch that monitors key measures impacting mother and baby during pregnancy and labour. Providing details surrounding the quality of uterine activity, maternal and fetal wellbeing, movements and exertion, Oli is being developed to be used before birth, providing information on how a labour is presenting and progressing. Designed by Baymatob, a company founded by engineer and mother-of-three Dr Sarah McDonald after her second birth, the device
Sarah McDonald with the Oli
study, which is split into three groups, with some women using the Oli during their antenatal visits, while others will be wearing the Oli during labour. Following the results, a larger clinical trial across the state is expected to be conducted. RNSH Clinical Midwife Consultant, Kate Pigott, said the current CTG monitoring is sensitive and not specific to midwives’ and obstetricians’ needs. “We want to change that around,” she said.
Stride into Steptember Get ready to start stepping from Tuesday September 1, as Steptember 2020 gets underway. It’s not too late to register yourself or your team to take part in the action. Steptember helps to raise money and awareness for those living with cerebral palsy for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Northern Sydney Local Health District is currently leading the way with more than 370 people signed up for the challenge, but South Eastern Sydney Local Health District has early bragging rights for funds raised. SESLHD has raised more than $3000 so far,
around $600 more than Northern Sydney, despite only having around 90 registered steppers. Come on Northern Sydney – it’s time to step up to the challenge and register for Steptember. You can sign up as a team or individual for Steptember 2020 by heading to steptember. org.au and select ‘Join an organisation’ and insert Northern Sydney LHD to register for our challenge. Be sure to use the code NSLHD2020 for free registration.
WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU
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