[272] Begoña Martinez de Tejada Group (Obstetrics)

Our research projects in obstetrics focus on preventing and managing premature birth, reducing risks to mother and child in case of infectious diseases affecting the mother during pregnancy, high-risk pregnancies (obesity, hypertension, etc.), perinatal care or impact of simulation on caregiver learning and quality of care, among others.

Premature birth

Prematurity is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity in Switzerland. Indeed, before the 37th week of pregnancy, the foetal organs are not ready to face extra-uterine life. The causes of premature birth are multiple and depend in particular on maternal history and risk factors, induced pregnancies and multiple pregnancies. Find below a selection of our ongoing studies in the prevention of preterm delivery, running in the Obstetrics Division of the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG):

  • Pessary versus cervical stitch (cerclage) in women with high-risk pregnancies
    An international randomized study comparing cervical stitch versus pessary in order to prevent premature delivery in high-risk women (with a history of premature delivery before 34 weeks).
  • Cervix ultrasound in an upright position
    An international randomized study that aims to determine if cervical characteristics measured by endovaginal ultrasound in an upright position are better predictors of prematurity than results measured in lying position.
  • Study of the cervix consistence
    An international study that evaluates the predictive value of the cervix consistence by ultrasound, measured with a device that aspirates the ectocervix for the risk of premature delivery.
  • Cervical stitch (cerclage) for women with a twin pregnancy with a short or open cervix
    An international randomized study which main objective is to determine, with transvaginal ultrasound before 24 weeks, if cervical cerclage reduces risks of spontaneous premature delivery in women with twin pregnancies with short or open cervix.
  • Ex vivo study of the contractility on human myometrium
    The objective of this project is to develop a system for the diffusion of tocolytic drugs by nanoparticles to improve treatments efficacy, reduce side effects, and reduce preterm uterine contractions.

Other obstetrical topics

  • Mother-child HIV cohort (MoCHiV)
    Prospective cohort study including pregnant HIV-infected women and their unborn children in order to evaluate HIV impact and treatment during pregnancy, childbirth and on the newborn.
  • Maternity counterweight cohort
    Prospective cohort study that evaluates the impact of obesity during pregnancy, on pregnant women and their children.