Pregnancy & Activity Research Study
Researchers at East Carolina University are conducting a study to find out how regular physical activity during pregnancy affects the health of the baby.
Fast Facts
Pregnant Women Ages 18-40
First Trimester (Less Than 17 Weeks Pregnant)
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Greenville, NC
Study Background
How does physical activity during pregnancy influence the baby’s health later in life?
We know that heart health and metabolism during childhood help predict heart health and metabolism later in life. We also suspect that this predictive relationship might begin in the womb before the child is even born.
In this research study, we want to find out how physical activity during pregnancy influences the heart health and metabolic health of babies after they are born. We’ll also examine different kinds of activity to see if they have different effects.
If you are in your first trimester of pregnancy and willing to participate in weekly activity, you may be eligible to participate in this study. Help us learn more about you and your baby’s health by joining today!
Study Background
How does physical activity during pregnancy influence the baby’s health later in life?
We know that heart health and metabolism during childhood help predict heart health and metabolism later in life. We also suspect that this predictive relationship might begin in the womb before the child is even born.
In this research study, we want to find out how physical activity during pregnancy influences the heart health and metabolic health of babies after they are born. We’ll also examine different kinds of activity to see if they have different effects.
If you are in your first trimester of pregnancy and willing to participate in weekly activity, you may be eligible to participate in this study. Help us learn more about you and your baby’s health by joining today!
Additional Information
The end goal of this study is to provide a better understanding of the influence of different types of activity on the cardiometabolic health of infants who are at increased risk due to maternal overweight or obesity.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Pregnant women ages 18-40
- In your first trimester (less than 17 weeks pregnant)
- Willing to participate in weekly activity
- Overweight (BMI is 25 or greater)
This is an in-person study taking place over about a year.
- We do 2 enrollment visits to assess your baseline fitness and health.
- Then, you attend training sessions 3 times per week. You may be randomly assigned to one of four groups: Aerobic only, Resistance/Strength only, combination (Aerobic + Strength), or Stretching.
- We repeat measurements of your fitness and health after 16, 24, and 36 weeks.
- When the baby is born, we collect the placenta and cord during delivery.
- We bring you and your baby back after 1, 6, 12 months to complete health measures for both of you.
You will be compensated up to $320 for your time and effort throughout the study. You will also receive free Brooks shoes and a sports bra as part of your training.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
