PREGNANCY RELATED

This study tested an enhanced football-based program for over 2,000 teenage girls in Zambia. The program added HIV self-testing, birth control information, and access to a nurse to the usual soccer activities. The goal was to see if this would increase HIV testing and use of cont…

This study looked at 44 pregnant women who had one prior C-section and wanted to try vaginal delivery. It compared using a small balloon (mechanical dilation) versus medication to start labor. The goal was to see if the balloon method is safer and just as effective for these wome…

This early-phase study tested whether a combination of brief therapy sessions and a mobile app could help pregnant women with opioid use disorder stay on their buprenorphine medication. Fifteen women participated, attending therapy appointments during pregnancy and after birth, a…

This study tested a small, portable ultrasound probe (echopen) for pregnancy checkups in Senegal, where access to standard ultrasound is limited. 224 pregnant women at 37 weeks or more were scanned with both the portable probe and a regular ultrasound machine. The goal was to see…

This study looked at 208 pregnant women to see if giving iodine supplements to everyone is better than only giving them to women who need it based on a urine test. The goal was to prevent iodine deficiency during pregnancy. Women were randomly assigned to one of two groups: routi…

This study tested whether giving iron through a vein (IV) to pregnant women who have low iron but not yet anemia can prevent them from becoming anemic later. It also looked at whether it helps the baby grow better. The study included 600 women and compared IV iron to usual care.

This study tested a program to increase COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women. COVID-19 during pregnancy raises risks for both mother and baby, yet many pregnant women remain unvaccinated. Researchers worked with OB/GYN offices to encourage vaccination and tracked vaccination…

This study tested a program to help pregnant women who are overweight or obese avoid gaining too much weight. It included 416 African American and Hispanic women in Philadelphia who were part of the WIC program. The program used text messages and guidance to support healthy eatin…

This study tested whether a mindfulness-based program (MBCT) could help pregnant women who are feeling stressed, anxious, or down. 84 at-risk women participated, learning mindfulness skills to support their mental health during pregnancy and after childbirth. The goal was to see …

This study looked at whether hand massage techniques can reduce severe nausea and vomiting and improve quality of life in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum. 70 hospitalized pregnant women took part. Researchers used a special hand massage method called Su-jok to see if i…

This study tested whether a package of extra support—including a smart sleep bassinet, wearable breast pump, 24/7 online perinatal care, and a faculty mentor—could improve wellbeing and reduce burnout in pregnant trainee doctors. 156 pregnant residents and fellows from four hospi…

This study looked at whether diaphragmatic breathing (deep belly breathing) can reduce pain, improve daily function, balance, and quality of life in pregnant women with low back pain. 58 pregnant women between 19-29 weeks of pregnancy who had new back pain participated. The resul…

This study looked at whether a hand massage technique (called su-jok) can help pregnant women with low back pain feel better. 74 pregnant women with back pain received the massage, and researchers measured their pain and comfort levels. The goal was to see if this simple, non-dru…

This study looked at whether a stretching routine could reduce heart health risks in pregnant women with obesity. 224 women from 27 to 37 weeks of pregnancy either did stretching exercises or followed standard moderate activity guidelines. The main goal was to see if stretching i…

This study tested a non-drug treatment called Personalized Integrated Chronotherapy (PIC) for pregnant women with depression. PIC combines bright light therapy, sleep schedule changes, and sleep stabilization. 120 pregnant women with major depression were randomly assigned to rec…

This study tested two types of epidural pain relief for women in labor: a standard method and a newer one called dural puncture epidural (DPE). 102 full-term pregnant women took part. Researchers measured how quickly each method worked, how well it controlled pain, and any side e…

This study tested whether wearing virtual reality glasses during a routine postpartum uterine tone assessment could lower anxiety and pain while increasing comfort. 146 women within 24 hours after birth participated. Researchers measured pain using a visual scale and anxiety with…

This study looked at whether mind-body exercises (like gentle movement and breathing) can lower stress, anxiety, and fatigue in pregnant women. 34 women in their second trimester took part, with one group doing mind-body exercises and the other doing relaxation exercises. The goa…

This study checked if using the Nerivio device for migraine headaches during pregnancy and up to 3 months after birth is safe. It compared 145 women with migraine who used Nerivio to those who did not, looking at baby's birth weight, delivery timing, and miscarriage rates. The go…

This study looked at how much methionine, a key building block of protein, is needed during early and late pregnancy. Researchers tested 69 healthy pregnant women using special diets and breath samples. The goal is to improve current dietary recommendations, which are based on da…

This study looked at how the antibiotic amoxicillin behaves in the bodies of pregnant women. The goal was to find the right dose to prevent passing syphilis to the baby. Thirteen women in their second or third trimester took part. Researchers measured drug levels in their blood a…

This study looked at the brains of 45 pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD) who were taking medication therapy, compared to pregnant women without OUD. Researchers used MRI scans to see if OUD and the medication change how different brain regions connect. The goal was to …

This study looked at pregnant women being treated for opioid use disorder to understand how two forms of buprenorphine (a once-monthly shot vs daily pills) affect mothers and their newborns. Researchers measured drug levels in the blood, fetal heart rate, and baby health after bi…

This study looked at whether having a doula—a trained birth supporter—helps Black pregnant people feel more heard and respected by their doctors. Thirty participants completed surveys about their communication and care experiences. The goal was to learn how doula-enhanced care mi…

This study tested a new way of providing prenatal care that includes both mothers and fathers. Over 200 young couples took part in online classes and counseling to improve their parenting skills, co-parenting relationship, and job readiness. The goal was to see if this approach h…

This study tested whether pregnant women could have their pre-birth anesthesia checkup via telemedicine instead of traveling to the hospital. 60 women participated, using a telemedicine cabin or cart near home. The goal was to see if remote airway exams work as well as in-person …

This study looked at 74 first-time pregnant women to compare two types of training: one focused on preparing for the maternal role, and another centered on mindfulness. The goal was to see which approach better helps women understand their health and adjust to motherhood. Partici…

This study looked at how two natural cell processes — autophagy (cell cleanup) and apoptosis (cell death) — change during pregnancy. Researchers measured these in 97 pregnant women, including those at risk for complications, to understand how their balance might affect pregnancy …

This study looked at whether taking iron supplements helps pregnant women with low iron (anemia) make stronger immune responses to routine vaccines like tetanus and COVID-19. Researchers compared women with anemia who got iron to healthy women on low-dose iron. The goal was to se…

This study followed 71 babies born to mothers being treated for opioid use disorder during pregnancy. Researchers compared two forms of buprenorphine (a monthly shot vs. daily under-the-tongue tablets) to see if one led to better infant brain development. The goal was to gather i…

This study tested if helping obese women lose weight before getting pregnant could improve their metabolic health and create a better environment for the baby to grow. Researchers compared a very low-energy diet to standard care in 147 women. They measured changes in mom's body m…

This study tested a training program for labor and delivery providers in Tanzania to reduce HIV stigma during childbirth. The program used simulations and hands-on learning. Researchers compared how respectful care was before and after the training, based on reports from women wh…

This completed study looked at why some pregnant women refused to take part in a larger trial that screens for pre-eclampsia early in pregnancy. Researchers surveyed 472 women to find factors linked to refusal and to understand their reasons for saying yes or no. The goal is to i…

This study followed over 2,000 pregnant women to measure their blood sugar levels throughout pregnancy. The goal was to see how glucose patterns relate to gestational diabetes and whether the baby is born larger than normal. Researchers used continuous glucose monitors and standa…

This study looked at whether having nurses or midwives visit pregnant women at home can improve outcomes for mothers and babies. It included 64 first-time, low-risk pregnant women in Turkey. Researchers measured changes in pregnancy knowledge, rates of vaginal birth, breastfeedin…

This study looked at how pregnancy changes the way the body processes doravirine, an HIV medication. Seven pregnant women living with HIV took a single dose of doravirine during their second and third trimesters and again after giving birth. The goal was to find the right dose fo…

This study followed 1,592 women who had pregnancy losses (three early miscarriages or one fetal death) to see if those with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) develop cancer more often. Researchers compared women with APS, those with other clotting disorders, and those without any c…

This study tested a program called OPTIMIZE that helps African American pregnant women get better care during and after pregnancy. Half of the clinics used a special checklist and provided a patient navigator to support women, while the other half gave standard care. The goal was…

This study explored whether offering fetal ultrasound in community settings, along with care navigation and motivational counseling, helps pregnant women with substance use disorder attend prenatal care and substance use treatment. 103 pregnant women between 22-32 weeks gestation…

This study looked at why pregnant women often get very sick from the flu but not as sick from COVID-19. Researchers compared nasal cells from 48 pregnant and non-pregnant women to see how their bodies react to these viruses. The goal was to find clues that could help protect preg…

This study looked at 526 pregnant women in France to understand why some refuse to join clinical trials about pregnancy and childbirth. Researchers collected information on age, education, and other personal factors, and asked women why they said yes or no. The goal is to help ma…

This study looked at how women who have had bulimia or binge-eating disorder experience pregnancy, body changes, and healthcare after giving birth. Researchers interviewed 28 women to understand their challenges and how well doctors and nurses supported them. The goal is to impro…

This study tested a mobile app called JUN that uses artificial intelligence to track symptoms and give timely advice to pregnant women. Researchers wanted to see if the app helps women feel more capable of managing their health, especially those under criminal justice supervision…

This study followed 168 women with Multiple Sclerosis who were pregnant or planning pregnancy. Researchers conducted phone interviews every three months during pregnancy and tracked babies' growth for up to three years after birth. The goal was to understand how MS and its treatm…