Acute Effects of Maternal Exercise and the Growth Restricted Pregnancy

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · Sep 8, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a single session of moderate exercise by pregnant women on the health of their babies when there are concerns about the babies' growth. Specifically, it aims to see if this exercise impacts the well-being of babies who are not growing as expected, a condition known as fetal growth restriction (FGR). To determine this, the researchers will measure various indicators of the babies' health, such as their movements and heart rate.

Women aged 18 to 45 who are currently pregnant and diagnosed with fetal growth restriction may be eligible to participate, as well as those with normal fetal growth. Participants should be between 28 and 36 weeks pregnant at the time of the study. During the trial, the women will engage in a 30-minute exercise session, and the researchers will monitor how this affects the baby’s condition. It's important to note that certain medical conditions, such as severe anemia or high blood pressure, may prevent participation. This study is currently recruiting participants, and it aims to help improve understanding of how exercise might benefit pregnancies with growth concerns.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Inclusion Criteria - FGR population
• • Age 18-45
• • Intrauterine pregnancy with diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR) as defined by total estimated fetal weight \<10%ile for EGA or abdominal circumference \<10%ile for EGA
• • Diagnosis of FGR at any point in gestation (preference given for inclusion of those diagnosed with FGR after 32w0d)
• • Gestational age between 28w0d and 36w6d at time of intervention (based on sure last menstrual period (LMP) confirmed by first or second trimester ultrasound or unsure LMP with first trimester ultrasound)
• • Compliant with standard prenatal care
• • Inclusion Criteria - Average for gestational age (AGA) population
• • Age 18-45
• • Intrauterine pregnancy with normal estimated fetal growth (EFW \>10%ile and \<90%ile)
• • Gestational age between 28w0d and 36w6d at time of intervention with accurate dating (based on sure LMP confirmed by ultrasound prior to 22 weeks or unsure LMP with first trimester ultrasound)
• • Compliant with standard prenatal care
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Exclusion Criteria - FGR population
• • Known contraindication to completion of 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise
• • Fetal umbilical artery with elevated S/D ratio or absent or reversed diastolic flow
• • BMI \>40
• • Severe maternal anemia (Hb less than 8.0)
• • Placenta previa
• • 2nd or 3rd trimester vaginal bleeding
• • Preterm premature rupture of membranes
• • Cervical insufficiency
• • Multi-fetal gestation
• • Oligohydramnios
• • Hypertensive disorder requiring antihypertensive medication
• • Blood pressure \>140/90 on the day of the study visit prior to exercise
• • Tobacco use
• • Opioid agonist therapy
• • Known fetal chromosomal anomaly, structural anomaly or infection
• • Inability or unwillingness of subject to give informed consent
• • Current psychiatric illness/social situation that would limit compliance with study requirements, as determined by the principle investigators
• • Exclusion Criteria - AGA population
• • Known contraindication to completion of 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise
• • BMI \>40
• • Severe maternal anemia (Hb less than 8.0)
• • Placenta previa
• • 2nd or 3rd trimester vaginal bleeding
• • Preterm premature rupture of membranes
• • Cervical insufficiency
• • Multi-fetal gestation
• • Oligohydramnios
• • Hypertensive disorder requiring antihypertensive medication
• • Blood pressure \>140/90 on the day of the study visit prior to exercise
• • Tobacco use
• • Opioid agonist therapy
• • Known fetal chromosomal anomaly, structural anomaly or infection
• • Inability or unwillingness of subject to give informed consent
• • Current psychiatric illness/social situation that would limit compliance with study requirements, as determined by the principle investigators