Monitoring Heart Electrical Activity in High-Risk Pregnancies to Detect Risks of Fetal Death Using Fetal Magnetocardiography and Neonatal ECG

What this Trial Is About

This research focuses on pregnancies at high risk for fetal demise, a tragic event where the fetus dies unexpectedly in the later stages of pregnancy. Researchers are studying five specific conditions linked to increased risk major congenital heart defects in the fetus, fetal hydrops, monochorionic twin pregnancies, prior pregnancy loss due to fetal demise, and gastroschisis. The goal is to detect hidden heart rhythm abnormalities that might contribute to fetal demise by using a novel, non-invasive monitoring technique called fetal magnetocardiography fMCG. The study involves detailed heart monitoring using fMCG at two points during pregnancy, approximately between 20-27 weeks and again between 30-37 weeks of gestation. After birth, a neonatal electrocardiogram nECG will be performed on the infant within the first 4 weeks of life. These assessments will measure heart rate variability, cardiac conduction, and repolarization patterns to identify any electrophysiological abnormalities. There is also a substudy evaluating how maternal and infant genetics affect medication metabolism related to heart rhythm treatments. Participants will undergo multiple procedures lasting 1 to 3 hours while reclining comfortably for the fMCG recordings. Researchers will compare the fetal heart monitoring results with neonatal ECG data and review medical records to confirm diagnoses and outcomes. The study aims to identify specific heart patterns that could predict fetal demise, helping to improve monitoring and care for high-risk pregnancies. Participants may receive compensation and travel reimbursement for their involvement, and local or home ECGs are available for those traveling long distances.

Fetal Electrophysiologic Abnormalities in High-Risk Pregnancies Associated With Fetal Demise