Impact of Room Light on Uterine Contractions and Labor Progression in Pregnancy

Launched by MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY · Aug 18, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how different lighting conditions in a room can affect uterine contractions and the progress of labor in pregnant women. Researchers believe that adjusting the room light—such as using dim or red light—could help improve the chances of having a successful vaginal birth, especially for women who might experience weak contractions. This is important because about 40% of first-time mothers who try to start labor with medical help end up needing a cesarean delivery, which can pose risks for both the mother and baby.

To participate in this study, women aged 18 to 42 who are pregnant and have been cleared by their doctor may be eligible. Participants will need to share some information about their health and be willing to monitor and change their lighting at home or in the hospital during labor. They will also use a device to track their contractions and may wear special glasses if asked. This study aims to find out how light impacts hormone levels and labor, which could lead to better outcomes for mothers and babies during childbirth.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria:
• • Are pregnant
• • Are 18-42 years old
• • Medically cleared for participation by Medical Investigator
• • Willingness to allow the study access to information in the participant's medical record
• • Willingness to be notified of incidental findings from study procedures
• • Willingness to measure and report on lighting conditions during specified time periods
• • Willingness to use a uterine contraction home monitor system, and report results
• • Willingness to adapt lighting during studies in home and/or hospital
• • Willingness to wear blue-filter glasses if requested
• • Willingness to report use of melatonin (for sleep)
• • Willingness to stop melatonin use if requested
• • Exclusion criteria
• • Pre-pregnancy BMI \>36kg/m2
• • HIV or AIDS (self-reported)
• • Severe anemia (hemoglobin \<8g/dL and/or hematocrit \<24%)
• • History or current psychotic disorder or diagnosis of a current major depressive episode or bipolar disorder
• • Current use of one or more of the following medications: metformin, systemic steroids, antipsychotic agents (e.g., Abilify, Haldol, Risperdal, Seroquel, Zyprexa), anti-seizure medications or mood stabilizers that would be expected to have a significant impact on body weight (e.g., Depakote, Lamictal, Lithium, Neurontin, Tegretol, Topamax, Keppra), medications for ADHD including amphetamines and methylphenidate
• • Continued use of weight loss medication including OTC and dietary supplements for weight loss (e.g., Adipex, Suprenza, Tenuate, Xenical, Alli, conjugated linoleic acid, Hoodia, Green tea extract, Guar gum, HydroxyCut, Sensa, Corti-slim, Chromium, chitosan, Bitter orange) Other Exclusion Criteria
• • Recent history of or currently smoking, drinking alcohol or abusing drugs (prescription or recreational)
• • Plans to move out of the study area within the next year or plans to be out of the study area for more than 8 weeks in the next 12 months
• • Planned termination of pregnancy