The Pathways Study – Pregnant Teens with Preeclampsia or Fetal Growth Restriction

STUDY BASICS

Is your 14-17 year old daughter pregnant and planning to deliver at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC? Has she been diagnosed with preeclampsia or fetal growth restriction? If so, your daughter may be able to take part in a research study to help better understand how pregnancy complications may be related to heart problems later in life. 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
• Pregnant
• Plan to deliver at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC
• Diagnosed with preeclampsia or fetal growth restriction

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 the medical record for information about your daughter’s birth and baby. Procedures will take a total of about 3 to 3.5 hours to complete.