< Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center

Moon Study

 

Are you eligible to participate?

All research studies require potential participants to be screened. This is simple and conducted over the phone in about 5-10 minutes.

Please complete this form and a member of our team will be in touch with you.

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Study Overview

The Moon Study is a five-visit research study designed to look at how a mother’s health during pregnancy may influence her child’s brain development.

Study Eligibility

This study is for moms who:

  • Are less than 12 weeks pregnant
  • Have a BMI of either 18.5 – 25 Or Have a BMI greater than 30
  • Are healthy
  • Are 18 years of age or older

Study Requirements

If you decide to participate in this study, you will be asked to complete 2 pregnancy visits, at about 12 weeks and 36 weeks along. At these visits we will evaluate medical history and dietary intake, measure your weight, height, vital signs, body composition, IQ, and anxiety and depression. We would also take blood, urine, fingernail, and stool samples. You will also wear a device to monitor your physical activity for about a week after this visit. These visits will take 2-4 hours and compensation is $50 at each visit.

Once the baby is born, we would have you and baby attend three visits when the baby is 2 weeks old, 1 year old, and 2 years old. At these baby visits we would measure your baby’s body composition, nutrition, and look at their brain development. This includes an MRI, which uses a magnet to create pictures of your baby’s brain. We would also have some questionnaires that you would complete. These visits last 2-5 hours and compensation is a 6-month supply of diapers/pull-ups at each visit.