Expecting Study

Study Overview

The Expecting study is a long-term nutrition research study designed to determine how the health and physical activity of a mother during pregnancy could affect the growth and development of her child.

Study Eligibility

This study is for moms who are currently less than 12-weeks pregnant and have a BMI over 30.

Study Requirements

If you decide to participate in this study, you will be “randomized” into one of two study groups. “Randomized” means you are put into a group by chance, like flipping a coin. You will have an equal chance of being placed in either group.

Group 1:

• Receive standard care from your OB/GYN clinic.
• Attend 3 research visits during pregnancy.
• Offered pregnancy & child development education information.
• Attend 5 baby research visits.

Group 2:

• Receive standard care from your OB/GYN clinic.
• Attend 3 research visits during pregnancy.
• Offered pregnancy & child development education information.
• Exercise 3 days per week during pregnancy at our fitness facility.
• Attend 5 baby research visits.

There are up to 3 study visits during pregnancy, one per trimester, in which we monitor growth and weight gain, measure energy expenditure and physical activity, and assess dietary intake. Additionally, we may take a few blood and urine samples during this portion of the study. Visits take between 2-4 hours and we try to schedule visits so that they are convenient with mom’s schedule. All visits take place at ACNC. $50 compensation is provided at each of the 3 pregnancy visits. If you are randomized into Group 2, you will receive additional compensation for attending exercise sessions.

The second portion of the study begins about 2 weeks after the baby is born, with 5 visits during the first 2 years of life (at 2 weeks and 2, 6, 12 and 24 months). During this portion of the study we evaluate many of the same items that we looked at during mom’s pregnancy, including growth and development, physical activity, and blood and urine profiling. To thank you for your time and effort, we provide a one and a half year supply of diapers and $200 at the 24 month visit.

All research studies require potential participants to be screened. This is simple and conducted over the phone in about 5-10 minutes to learn more about your health and any other pertinent information that relates to the study.

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