Pregnancy Research Study

Researchers at the George Washington University want to understand the impacts of beverage consumption during pregnancy.

Fast Facts

Pregnant Women at 16 Weeks or Less

Regularly Consume Sweetened Beverages Such as Diet Soda, Fruit Drinks, Lemonade, Iced Tea, and Probiotic Drinks

Plan to Breastfeed

Compensation Provided

Conducted in Washington, D.C.

Study Background

Researchers at the George Washington University are studying the effects of beverage consumption during pregnancy.

We want to understand how consumption of non-sugar sweeteners – such as those found in sweetened beverages – during pregnancy impacts the mother and baby. Specifically, we want to see how these sweeteners impact the mother’s health and the baby’s development, including body composition and gut health. 

Participants in our study will either be asked to continue consuming the sweetened beverages that they already drink or switch to unsweetened beverages provided by the study team. Over the course of the year-long study, they will attend virtual and in-person visits and provide biological samples. We will compare differences in health outcomes of the mothers and babies in each group to determine potential effects of the sweeteners.

Study Background

Researchers at the George Washington University are studying the effects of beverage consumption during pregnancy.

We want to understand how consumption of non-sugar sweeteners – such as those found in sweetened beverages – during pregnancy impacts the mother and baby. Specifically, we want to see how these sweeteners impact the mother’s health and the baby’s development, including body composition and gut health. 

Participants in our study will either be asked to continue consuming the sweetened beverages that they already drink or switch to unsweetened beverages provided by the study team. Over the course of the year-long study, they will attend virtual and in-person visits and provide biological samples. We will compare differences in health outcomes of the mothers and babies in each group to determine potential effects of the sweeteners.

Additional Information

Through this research, we hope to learn more about the effects of consuming non-sugar sweeteners during pregnancy on the health of the mother and baby.

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

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Pregnant women at 16 weeks or less
  • Regularly consume sweetened beverages such as diet soda, fruit drinks, lemonade, iced tea, and probiotic drinks
  • Consume 7 servings of these beverages per week
  • Plan to breastfeed

Participants will first attend a virtual screening visit to confirm their eligibility. Then, over the course of the year-long study, they will have monthly virtual consultations with a nutritionist to monitor dietary intake and guide beverage consumption. Participants will also attend four in-person visits, two during pregnancy and two postpartum. At these visits, they will be asked to provide blood, stool, urine, and breast milk samples; after their baby is born, we will measure the baby’s body fat and collect a stool sample from them.

Participants can receive compensation up to $500 for their time and effort upon completing all study activities.

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