Study of Perinatal Health, Eating Regulation, and food Equity (SPHERE) - Pregnant woman 18 and older

STUDY BASICS

Are you less than 17 weeks pregnant? Do you ever worry about your food running out? You may be eligible for a research study about food insecurity and health at the University of Pittsburgh.  Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Food insecurity means not having enough food or not having enough nutritious food for a healthy life. In the U.S., about 1 in 5 pregnant individuals experience food insecurity. The goals of this study are to better understand how food insecurity affects health and wellbeing during pregnancy and postpartum. We hope this research will provide new information that will help us better support the needs of pregnant and postpartum individuals at risk for food insecurity.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• are less than 17 weeks into your pregnancy
• are pregnant with one baby (a singleton pregnancy)
• are at least 18 years old
• have experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

You will be asked to complete questionnaires and interviews at three timepoints in pregnancy (around 12, 24, and 36 weeks of pregnancy) and at one timepoint postpartum (around 3-months postpartum). We also may measure your height, weight, and blood pressure at these assessments. We will also ask for your permission to access your and your infant’s medical records through the end of the study to obtain information about weights and health conditions.