Many women who become pregnant through assisted reproductive technology (ART)—such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), or Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)—experience unique physical, emotional, and logistical challenges on their path to parenthood. That’s why we are excited to offer the Family Foundations Study for expectant mothers pregnant via ART and their co-caregiving partners.

In this study, we are hoping to help expectant mothers build a coparenting bond and improve communication with their support person through the Family Foundations intervention. This is a psychoeducational series focusing on the parenting partnership and preparing as a team for the baby. Pregnant women who conceived via ART and their chosen support person will take part in a series of remote educational sessions on topics like positive parenting routines, teamwork, emotional awareness, and forming secure attachment with their child.

By sharing their experiences, participants will help researchers learn how to better support families navigating ART pregnancies in the future, and inform resources and care that are more responsive to what patients and their support networks actually need.

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 18+
• Between 4-32 weeks pregnant
• Planning to have or currently have a support person (spouse, close friend, parent, nanny, etc.) who can attend 9 virtual classes with you (free of charge)
• Live in the United States
• Pregnant via Assisted Reproductive Technologies. This can include: In vitro Fertilization (IVF); Intrauterine Insemination (IUI); Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI); Frozen embryo transfer (FET); or any other assisted reproductive technologies.

All parts of this study take place online. You can participate from home.

• Screening: You will complete a brief screening to see if you are eligible, including questions about your pregnancy and how you conceived (for example, IVF, IUI, ICSI, or FET).

• Informed Consent Meeting and Enrollment: If eligible, you will be invited to enroll and select a support person (such as a spouse, partner, close friend, parent, or nanny) who is willing to participate with you. You’ll have a 20–30‑minute video call with our research coordinator. They will explain the study, answer your questions, and guide you through signing the consent form.

• Questionnaires and check-ins: At different points in the study, you will complete online surveys about your mood, stress, and pregnancy experiences.

• Virtual study activities: You may be asked to provide small blood spot samples at two timepoints (one during pregnancy and one postpartum) using a simple at-home kit. These samples will be used to measure inflammatory biomarkers to better understand the physical aspects of pregnancy and stress, in addition to the emotional aspects. 

• Family Foundations (FF) Classes: You and your support person will attend 9 virtual FF classes, each lasting 1–2 hours. These sessions are led by two trained facilitators and include activities, discussions, and hands‑on exercises. You’ll learn about topics such as understanding your baby’s temperament, supporting your child’s emotional development, and communicating effectively with your parenting partner.

• Completion of the study: After you finish the scheduled virtual sessions and questionnaires, your participation in the study will be complete. You may be asked for feedback about your experience.

Yes. Participants may receive up to $100 for completing all parts of the study.

Because the study is conducted online, you can join every session from home—no travel or parking is required.

Participants will also receive free access to a 9‑session Family Foundations workshop designed to support new parents.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.