STUDY BASICS
Is your 14-17 year old daughter in her 3rd trimester of pregnancy? Is her pregnancy normal, with no complications? Does she plan to deliver at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC? If so, your daughter may be able to take part in a research study to help better understand the relationship between pregnancy and heart health. Compensation provided.
STUDY PURPOSE
Women who experience complications during pregnancy are at a greater risk of cardiovascular health problems like heart disease and stroke later in life. Some common pregnancy complications include preeclampsia (a sudden onset of high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy) and fetal growth restriction (a condition in which an unborn baby grows slower than normal). The purpose of this research study is to compare the small blood vessels of women with and without pregnancy complications, and gain a better understanding of the link between pregnancy complications and cardiovascular disease. Researchers hope their findings may lead to new treatments for people with cardiovascular disease in the future.COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?
- Ages 14-17 years
- Pregnant
- Plan to deliver at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC
- Have a normal pregnancy with no complications
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
This study involves 2 visits with our research staff; 1 before delivery and 1 about a year after giving birth. Study procedures include questionnaires, blood and urine tests, vital signs, and blood flow and body composition measurements. A small, non-invasive camera will also be used to record video of the blood vessels under the tongue. Just after delivery, researchers will collect the placenta and review your daughter’s medical record for information about the birth and baby. Procedures will take a total of about 3 to 3.5 hours to complete.IRB: STUDY20020028C
- Glycocalyx pathways linking pregnancy profile with microvascular dysfunction postpartumMEET THE RESEARCHER
Carl A. Hubel
Carl A. Hubel, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. A graduate of the University of Vermont, Dr. Hubel’s research interests include understanding the cardiovascular adaptations that occur during pregnancy as well as the vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and related maladaptive processes underlying the pregnancy disorder preeclampsia.