A new method to measure fetal oxygen levels during labor
Official title: Interferometric near-infrared spectroscopy for transabdominal fetal oximetry
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11249508 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, gentle way to check how much oxygen your baby is getting while you're pregnant, using light that shines through your belly, to help doctors make better decisions during labor and possibly reduce the need for C-sections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $227,548 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD114014-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11249508 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who are at risk of complications during labor, particularly those facing the possibility of a C-section.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who are not at risk for complications during labor may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a noninvasive technique called interferometric near-infrared spectroscopy to measure fetal oxygen saturation through the mother's abdomen. By shining near-infrared light on the maternal abdomen, the method aims to provide real-time data on fetal oxygen levels, which could help obstetricians make informed decisions during labor. The goal is to reduce the reliance on traditional fetal monitoring methods that often lead to unnecessary C-sections due to false-positive results. If successful, this approach could improve outcomes for both mothers and babies during childbirth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the number of unnecessary C-sections, leading to safer childbirth experiences for mothers and infants.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in noninvasive fetal monitoring techniques, but this specific approach using interferometric near-infrared spectroscopy is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Weijian — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Yang, Weijian
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.