Heart Health Doula Study

STUDY BASICS

Have you been diagnosed with high blood pressure during pregnancy? Are you age 18 or older? You may be able to participate in a research study to determine if a heart health focused Doula intervention can improve heart health after pregnancy.

STUDY PURPOSE

The purpose of this research program is to conduct an intervention study for 8–12 weeks with a heart health focused Doula intervention program, compared to women who receive usual care. In other words, this study looks at how easy and convenient an 8–12 week heart health focused Doula program would be for moms, and how effective the program is at reducing weight and high blood pressure after 1 year. Women with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy often experience a gap in health care after giving birth, and this research study will determine if a heart health focused Doula intervention can help improve heart health after pregnancy. 

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Eligible participants:

• Are 18 years old or older 
• Have been diagnosed with high blood pressure during pregnancy
• Plan to deliver their child at Magee-Womens Hospital 

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

If you decide to participate, you will be randomly selected to take part in one of 2 groups (randomization is like flipping a coin). One group will receive care as usual, and the other group will receive the Doula intervention. 

All women in the study will be asked to attend 2 in person visits (at baseline and when your baby is about 1 year old), 2 phone call check-ins (when your baby is 3 and 9 months old), and 1 video visit (when your baby is 6 months old). The first visit happens right after you give birth and are still in the hospital. The second visit will happen when your baby is about a year old. Both visits will involve physical measures, blood draw and answering questionnaires. We will also monitor your blood pressure throughout the study. At the second visit you will be given a Fitbit for physical activity monitoring. We will also schedule a phone call with you to check in when you are 3 and 9 months postpartum and review yours and your child's medical record as it relates to pregnancy.