Identifying factors to prevent early stillbirths

Mothers Working to Prevent Early Stillbirth Study 20-28

Observational University of Manchester · NCT06005272

This study is trying to find out what changes can be made in behavior and healthcare to help prevent stillbirths that happen between 20 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment948 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 50 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Manchester Academic / other
Locations1 site (Manchester)
Trial IDNCT06005272 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify modifiable risk factors linked to stillbirths occurring between 20 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. By comparing bereaved mothers who experienced stillbirth with pregnant women at the same gestation, the study seeks to explore behavioral and healthcare-related factors that could be adjusted to reduce early stillbirth rates. The research will also investigate the interactions between maternal characteristics and fetal factors to better understand their impact on early stillbirth risk. The findings could inform public health campaigns and antenatal care practices to help achieve the UK government's goal of reducing stillbirths by 50% by 2025.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include bereaved mothers who have recently experienced a stillbirth between 20 and 28 weeks of pregnancy and pregnant women at the same gestation receiving antenatal care.

Not a fit: Patients who have experienced stillbirths due to congenital anomalies or those outside the specified gestational range may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to actionable strategies that significantly reduce the incidence of early stillbirths.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have successfully identified modifiable risk factors for late stillbirths, but this approach to early stillbirths is novel and aims to fill an existing evidence gap.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Cases

* Bereaved mothers/parents who have recently birthed a singleton baby who died before/during or immediately after labour between 20 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
* Baby has no evidence of congenital anomaly
* Able to give written informed consent

Controls

* Pregnant women/people with an ongoing pregnancy (at the target gestation) receiving antenatal care from a participating maternity unit, at a gestation matched to the distribution of stillbirths between 20 to 28 weeks of pregnancy in the same unit
* Baby has no evidence of congenital anomaly
* Able to give written informed consent

Where this trial is running

Manchester

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 Stillbirth and Fetal DeathPerinatal Death
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.