At the Appointment

What will happen at my scan appointment?

You will meet a member of the clinical research team when you attend for your scan appointment at the RVI. They will discuss the research with you in detail, and answer any questions you might have. If you are happy to take part, you will be asked to sign a consent form SHAPES Consent Forms

One of the sonographers in the clinical research team will do your routine dating scan and the extra ultrasound measurements needed for SHAPES at the same time. Extra ultrasound measurements are for you and not for your baby. We will be measuring the thickness of layers of tissues around your tummy. This is a painless, harm free procedure and will take only 5 minutes to do.

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You will move to a different room and someone from the Newcastle University or clinical research team will do all of the extra SHAPES measurements. The measurements will be taken in a private room and by female members of the clinical and research team who are fully trained. All staff will wear a face mask that meets NHS requirements to ensure your health and safety during your appointment.

In preparation for testing, we will ask you to bring and wear a loose vest top or t-shirt. We will need to make some marks on your skin on your arm, back, and tummy. The marks will be made using an erasable pen so these can be wiped off before you leave. These types of measurements should not cause discomfort and there are no risks associated with these methods.

We are aware that some women might not be completely comfortable with their body shape or size. The clinical and research team are used to measuring women who have a wide range of body shapes and sizes and we will be sensitive to any concerns you might have while taking the measurements. If you decide to take part, we won’t share the measurements with anyone outside of the research or clinical team, and you won’t be identified in any of the SHAPES reports.‌

How Measurements are taken ?

Your height will be measured with shoes removed.
Your weight will be measured, in light clothing.
Your waist size will be measured directly on your skin using a tape measure.

Your hip size will be measured over light clothing using a tape measure.
Your neck size will be measured directly on the skin using a tape measure.
Your arm size will be measured directly on your skin using a tape measure.
Skinfolds will be measured directly on your skin using an instrument called a calliper. The calliper will be used to gently compress the skin on your arm and back.