RecruitingObservational

Investigating skin-to-thigh muscle depth in pregnant patients for medication injections

This study aims to make sure that injections given into the thigh muscle during childbirth work as effectively as possible. Sometimes, women need medicines during or after delivery that are given through a small needle into the side of the leg. This study uses a quick, simple ultrasound scan to measure the distance from the skin to the 'vastus lateralis' muscle in the thigh. Knowing this measurement helps healthcare professionals deliver these medicines correctly. The study involves pregnant women aged 18 to 55 who are having a caesarean section or are in labour. It's a non-invasive scan that takes about 15 minutes and doesn't affect patient care on the day. Participants won't directly benefit in their current pregnancy, but it could improve care for future patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Enrolment target

100

Start

15 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2026

Distance between skin and vastus lateralis muscle in pregnant patients

What is this study about?

Imagine you're having a baby, and you need a medicine delivered through an injection into your thigh muscle. For these medicines to work best, they need to reach a specific muscle inside your leg, called the 'vastus lateralis' muscle. What this study is trying to find out is how deep this muscle is located under the skin in pregnant women. This information is really important because it helps doctors and nurses know the best way to give these injections.

To find out this distance, the study uses a very simple and safe ultrasound scan, similar to the scans you might have during pregnancy to look at your baby. This short scan on the side of your leg will give us a picture of the muscle and allow us to measure the exact depth from your skin. This measurement will help ensure that when these injections are given, the medicine reaches its target muscle perfectly.

Although taking part in this study won't change your care during your current pregnancy, the information we gather will be used to improve how these essential medicines are given to all mothers in the future. We want to make sure every injection is as effective and safe as possible for patients needing them during childbirth.

Key takeaways

The study measures skin-to-muscle depth for injections in pregnant women.
It uses a safe, simple ultrasound scan on the thigh, taking about 15 minutes.
Aims to improve how medicines are given by injection during childbirth for future patients.
Participation is voluntary and will not affect your current medical care.
Open to pregnant women aged 18-55 having C-sections or in labour at two specific hospitals.
There are no known risks associated with the ultrasound scan itself.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women who are between 18 and 55 years old. You can take part if you are currently pregnant and are either going to have a caesarean section or are in labour at Queen Elizabeth Hospital or University Hospital Lewisham.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join the study. For example, if you've already given birth more than two hours ago by caesarean section, you won't be eligible. Also, if you have certain health conditions like severe high blood pressure in pregnancy (pre-eclampsia), heart problems, or kidney disease, or if you're carrying more than one baby (twins or more), you won't be able to participate.

Your safety is always the most important thing. If you don't wish to take part, or if the research team feels it's not safe for you to participate, you won't be included in the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 55 years old?
Are you pregnant and either in labour or scheduled for a caesarean section at Queen Elizabeth Hospital or University Hospital Lewisham?
Do you consent to participate in the study?
Have you delivered your baby by caesarean section no more than two hours ago (if applicable)?
Do you NOT have conditions like severe pre-eclampsia, heart or kidney disease, or are you NOT carrying multiple babies?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, a member of the research team will perform a simple ultrasound scan on the side of one of your legs. This scan is quick, much like the scans you might have during pregnancy, and doesn't involve any needles or discomfort. The scan itself will take no more than 15 minutes.

This will take place either while you are in labour, on the day of your planned caesarean section before the procedure, or within two hours after your baby has been delivered by caesarean section. The research team will also ask for some basic information about you, such as your ethnicity, weight, and how many weeks pregnant you are. This is all that is involved, and it won't affect your medical care on the day.

Potential risks and benefits

While taking part in this study may not directly benefit you during your current pregnancy, the information gained will help improve how injections are given into the muscle for all patients having babies in the future, making sure they work better. So, your participation could help many others. We don't believe there are any risks involved in this study. Ultrasound scans are very safe and don't have any side effects. If you have a bruise on your thigh, putting the ultrasound device on it might feel a little tender, but we can usually use the other leg to avoid this. The main thing to consider is the time it takes, which is about 15 minutes for the scan. You are always free to change your mind and stop participating at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (2)

Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Approximate
London, England
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust
City only
London, England

Common questions

What is an ultrasound scan?

An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create pictures of what's inside your body. It's safe and doesn't use radiation, just like the scans you might have during pregnancy.

Will taking part affect my labour or caesarean section?

No, this study is designed so that it will not affect your medical care or the process of your labour or caesarean section at all.

Will I feel any pain during the scan?

The scan is generally painless. You might feel a little pressure from the ultrasound device on your skin, but it shouldn't hurt. If it's uncomfortable, you can let the team know.

Do I have to take part?

No, taking part is completely your choice. If you decide not to, it won't affect your care in any way.

When will the study results be ready?

The study is expected to run from January 2026 to August 2026, so results would typically be available some time after that.

How to find out more

Imogen Glover

imogen.glover@nhs.net +44 (0)2088366000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.