Perinatal Depression & Anxiety (PDA) and Maternal Gut Microbiome

Launched by THE CANADIAN COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE · Oct 6, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how diet and supplements might help improve the gut health of pregnant women and reduce the risk of perinatal depression and anxiety (PDA). PDA is a serious condition that can affect mothers' mental health and their children's long-term development. The researchers believe that by changing the foods these women eat and introducing supplements like probiotics and fish oil, they can positively influence their gut microbiome, which could help improve mood and reduce anxiety during pregnancy.

Women aged 18 to 43 who are between 12 to 35 weeks pregnant and have a history of depression or anxiety may be eligible to participate. If you join the study, you will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: one focusing on diet changes, one taking probiotics, one taking fish oil, or a control group with no intervention. You'll meet with the study team every three months and complete some questionnaires about your mood and diet, along with providing a stool sample to help researchers understand changes in your gut health. This study is important as it lays the groundwork for larger trials that could lead to better support for mothers experiencing mental health challenges during and after pregnancy.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion Criteria
• • Women 18-43 years old
• • 12-35 weeks of gestation
• • Non-smoker/alcohol/recreational drug user
• • Financially stable
• • Clinical diagnosis of lifetime depression/anxiety or PDA but currently well
• • English speaking
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Body Mass Index (BMI)≥30
• • Low income (unable to afford basic daily needs (i.e., shelter, food, etc.)
• • Diagnosis with other major mental health disorders (Bipolar, Psychosis, Addiction, Schizophrenia);
• • Diagnosis with other severe medical conditions (i.e. epilepsy, neurological disorders, etc.)
• • Allergies to fish oils/ingredients in supplements
• • Conditions that require repeated/chronic antibiotic usage
• • Having a child with significant mental/physical disability
• • Single mothers without any kind of family support,
• • Cigarette, alcohol and recreational drug users
• • Women unwilling to switch to study product(s)
• • Multiparous women with young children (i.e. one or more children less than 4 years of age at the time of delivery)
• • Non-English Readers/Speakers