Assessing body water changes in pregnant women using bioimpedance analysis

Bioimpedance In Pregnancy and Labour: A Fluid Balance Concept Study.

Observational University Hospitals, Leicester · NCT03823820

This study tests a simple bedside test to see how body water changes during pregnancy in women with different medical conditions.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment900 (estimated)
Ages16 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity Hospitals, Leicester Academic / other
Locations1 site (Leicester, Leicestershire)
Trial IDNCT03823820 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate how a simple bedside test can provide insights into changes in body water content during pregnancy. It focuses on understanding the impact of various medical conditions on hydration levels in pregnant women. By utilizing bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA), the study seeks to measure total body water and differentiate between extracellular and intracellular water. The research will involve pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean sections, those being induced for labor, and women with specific maternal conditions affecting fluid balance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include pregnant women aged 16 and over with viable pregnancies, particularly those undergoing elective cesarean sections or induction of labor, as well as those with conditions like pre-eclampsia or hyperemesis gravidarum.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those under 16 years of age, individuals unable to provide consent, and those with learning disabilities or requiring pacemakers.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the management of hydration in pregnant women, potentially improving maternal and fetal outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of bioimpedance analysis has been established in other patient groups, this specific application in pregnant women is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: pregnant women at age of 16 or over with a viable pregnancy and who will fulfil the following:

* Group I: Women attending for elective CS.
* Group II: Women admitted for induction of labour and expected to stay stay in hospital for more than 24 hours.
* Group III: Maternal condition that could have direct impact on body fluid including:

  1. Pre-eclampsia requiring hospital admission.
  2. Hyperemesis gravidarum requiring hospital admission.
  3. Major postpartum haemorrhage (equal or greater than 1000 ml following delivery).
* Group IV: gestational age matched controls.

Exclusion criteria:

* Maternal age less than 16 years at booking.
* Women who are not capable of giving consent.
* Women with learning disabilities/difficulties.
* Unable to speak or read English to the appropriate level.
* Prisoners.
* Any others deemed to belong to a vulnerable group.
* Women who require pace maker or defibrillators.

Where this trial is running

Leicester, Leicestershire

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hydration
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.