SLEEP Research Study – Pregnant Women

STUDY BASICS

Are you less than 21 weeks pregnant? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to identify pregnant women with sleep apnea and to find out if using a CPAP machine can lower the risk of developing preeclampsia and gestational diabetes in pregnant women with sleep apnea. Participants must be overweight and/or snore at least 3 times a week. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Sleep apnea—a disorder in which the airway is blocked during sleep, causing difficulty breathing and frequent snoring—is a common problem during pregnancy. Studies have shown that women with sleep apnea are at an increased risk for the development of health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which can lead to serious complications during pregnancy. The most common treatment for sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine that helps to keep the airway open while sleeping, but research into the use of CPAP machines during pregnancy is limited. The purpose of this research study is to identify pregnant women with sleep apnea and to find out if using a CPAP machine can lower the risk of developing preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) and gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) in pregnant women with sleep apnea.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Females aged 18-55
• Less than 21 weeks pregnant
• Pregnant with one baby
• Are overweight, with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 and/or snore more than 3-4 times per week
• Receiving pregnancy care at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital or UPMC Mercy

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

This study involves two parts. During the first part, participants will go home with a portable sleep monitor to find out if they have sleep apnea. Women who have sleep apnea and are interested and eligible may continue to the second part of the study. During the second part of the study, participants will be randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to either the CPAP study treatment group or the advice on getting good sleep group. Participants will have at least two visits and will be regularly contacted throughout the study. Study procedures will include blood draws, body measurements, and answering questionnaires.