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A new study published in NEJM AI has revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) can make pregnancy scans significantly faster and more efficient, without compromising accuracy. The research, led by Dr Thomas Day and supported by King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust, found that using AI during 20-week ultrasound scans reduced scan times by over 40%.
The trial involved 78 pregnant participants and 58 sonographers, with each participant receiving both AI-assisted and traditional scans. The AI system, which captures thousands of images per foetal measurement compared to just three in standard practice, was shown to be more consistent and reliable. This not only improves efficiency but also allows sonographers to spend more time providing care and reassurance to expectant parents during a potentially anxious time.
Funded by an NIHR Doctoral Fellowship, the study underscores the potential of AI to improve both patient care and healthcare workflow. The technology is now being rolled out more widely via Fraiya, a spinout company aiming to transform prenatal diagnostics and outcomes through advanced AI tools.
