Pregnancy Research Study
Researchers at Northeastern University are conducting a study to understand how social experiences, emotions, nutrition, and health habits during pregnancy affect both mothers and their babies.
Fast Facts
Between 22-38 Weeks Pregnant
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
Boston, MA
Study Background
Bridging Emotions And Nutrition in Pregnancy Study (BEAN Study)
Researchers at Northeastern University are conducting a study to explore how social experiences, emotions, nutrition, and health habits during pregnancy influence the health and well-being of both mothers and their babies. The study seeks to gather detailed insights by examining the relationship between these factors and pregnancy outcomes. Understanding these dynamics can provide valuable knowledge that could lead to improved support systems and interventions for pregnant individuals.
The study involves 5-6 hours of participation, spread across three visits: 2 during pregnancy and 1 shortly after childbirth wherever you give birth. Participants will complete online surveys covering topics such as health, neighborhood environment, personal experiences, emotions, and eating habits. Additionally, they will provide biological samples, including blood, saliva, and hair, and take part in simple speech and math tasks during two visits. Following delivery, a final visit will involve further sample collection and the completion of questionnaires. Eligible participants will receive compensation for their time and contributions.
Study Background
Bridging Emotions And Nutrition in Pregnancy Study (BEAN Study)
Researchers at Northeastern University are conducting a study to explore how social experiences, emotions, nutrition, and health habits during pregnancy influence the health and well-being of both mothers and their babies. The study seeks to gather detailed insights by examining the relationship between these factors and pregnancy outcomes. Understanding these dynamics can provide valuable knowledge that could lead to improved support systems and interventions for pregnant individuals.
The study involves 5-6 hours of participation, spread across three visits: 2 during pregnancy and 1 shortly after childbirth wherever you give birth. Participants will complete online surveys covering topics such as health, neighborhood environment, personal experiences, emotions, and eating habits. Additionally, they will provide biological samples, including blood, saliva, and hair, and take part in simple speech and math tasks during two visits. Following delivery, a final visit will involve further sample collection and the completion of questionnaires. Eligible participants will receive compensation for their time and contributions.
Additional Information
This study is being conducted to understand how social experiences, emotions, nutrition, and health habits during pregnancy influence the health and well-being of both mothers and their babies. By examining these factors, researchers aim to gain insights that could lead to better support systems and interventions for pregnant individuals.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18+
- Between 22-38 weeks pregnant
- Able to consent and complete study procedures in English
Exclusion Criteria:
- Alcohol/tobacco/substance use in pregnancy
- Serious medical issues (e.g., cancer, autoimmune disease, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS)
- Psychiatric medication use during pregnancy
- Known abnormality in the fetus that will require treatment after birth (e.g., congenital heart disease, spina bifida)
If you participate in this study, here’s what you can expect:
Visit 1 (26-30 weeks pregnant)
Takes place in person at your home and lasts about 2.5 hours.
You will complete questionnaires and perform a short math and speech task.
We will collect small samples of blood, saliva, and hair.
Visit 2 (34-38 weeks pregnant)
Takes place in person at Northeastern University’s lab and lasts about 2 hours.
You will complete the same study procedures as in Visit 1.
This visit will also include a full blood draw by a trained phlebotomist.
Visit 3 (Shortly after giving birth)
Takes place in person at Mass General Hospital and lasts about 45 minutes.
Your delivery team will collect cord blood and placenta samples.
You will be asked to complete a few final questionnaires.
These visits are designed to help researchers gather comprehensive information about your experiences, health, and biological samples during and after pregnancy.
You will be paid for each visit as follows:
- Visit 1: $120
- Visit 2: $120
- Visit 3 (Delivery): $100
- $340 total for completion of the study
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.