Pregnancy/Postpartum Studies
Well Mama
This study is about providing doula care and support for uninsured and publicly insured pregnant and postpartum birthing people.
Some moms in the U.S. face more difficulties with their health during pregnancy. We want to provide pregnancy support to make care better for moms during this special time. Our Community Doula Navigators (CDNs) will have in-person and virtual wellness check-ins and provide labor support. CDNs will be using a Well-Mama safety checklist that entails screening questions for addressing five priority areas that are important for maternal health: cardiovascular health, mental health, opioid/substance use, safety, and support system. If any problems come up, the CDNs will help the moms find the right resources and support.
The research study will begin at three sites in Chicago, Illinois, Newark, New Jersey, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In addition to conducting wellness check-ins, CDNs will also make referrals to resources following the check-ins, with feedback provided to the healthcare team; lead virtual pregnancy and postpartum support groups; attend select patient visits; and provide labor support. We believe all moms deserve the best care and support during their prenatal and postpartum journey. Together, we can make sure that every mom feels safe, cared for, and healthy during this special time.
For more information, visit: https://study.well-mama.org/about-the-study/
This study enrolls by invite only.
Oli Study
A research study testing a wearable device to help predict heavy bleeding after childbirth.
The Oli Study is researching a wearable device called the “Oli” that may help doctors identify patients who are at risk for heavy bleeding after giving birth. Heavy bleeding after delivery, also called postpartum hemorrhage, is a serious complication that can happen during or after labor. Researchers hope this study will help improve early detection and care for future patients.
Participants in the study will wear the Oli device on their belly during labor and delivery. The device is non-invasive and will be removed after birth. Participants will also answer questions about their health and pregnancy and complete a short survey about their experience wearing the device. Researchers will review medical records related to the pregnancy and delivery.
The study lasts about two days. Risks are expected to be minimal but may include mild skin irritation from the device adhesive. Participants will continue to receive their normal medical care during the study.
This study enrolls by invite only.
For more information, contact Woman’s Research at 225-512-5546.
ADVANCE Study
A research study to improve prenatal blood tests for pregnancy and genetic conditions.
The ADVANCE Study is collecting blood samples from pregnant patients to help researchers improve prenatal blood tests, also called cell-free DNA (cfDNA) tests. These tests can help screen for certain genetic conditions during pregnancy using a blood sample from the pregnant patient. Researchers are working to improve existing tests and develop new ways to identify pregnancy-related and genetic conditions earlier and more accurately. Participants may include pregnant individuals who have had prenatal genetic screening or diagnostic testing during pregnancy. Participants will provide a blood sample and allow researchers to review certain pregnancy and testing information from their medical records. Some participants may be asked to provide an additional blood sample. The study does not provide medical treatment or return research results to participants. Risks are minimal and mainly related to blood draws, such as bruising or discomfort.
This study enrolls by invite only.
LARC Study
A survey study about health literacy and birth control choices.
The LARC Study is looking at how health literacy and personal experiences may affect birth control decisions among women seeking contraceptive care. Researchers hope to better understand the factors that influence whether patients choose long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) or contraceptive implants.
Participants in the study will complete a one-time survey during their clinic visit at the LSU OB/GYN Clinic at Woman’s Hospital. The survey takes about 10–15 minutes and includes questions about health literacy, birth control history, personal preferences, and factors that may affect contraceptive decisions, such as side effects, cost, and provider recommendations. Researchers may also review medical records if permission is provided.
The study involves minimal risk and does not change a participant’s medical care. While participants may not receive a direct benefit, the information collected may help healthcare providers improve patient education and support more personalized contraceptive counseling in the future.
This study enrolls by invite only.
Perinatal-Related Cardiovascular Disorders (PERCVD) Registry
The study teams wants to learn more about pregnancy-related cardiovascular diseases and what causes them. By doing this study, we hope to find more about the genes that play a role in cardiovascular disease. We are asking people who have or had a history of a pregnancy related cardiovascular disease (or a relative that has), to help answer the question.
This study enrolls by invite only.
Her Health Study
A randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of the Her Health Program to add healthcare value in the postpartum period.
The “fourth trimester” is the period of time after you have a baby. Pregnancy changes your body a lot, and recovering from pregnancy can be hard. It is important to focus on your health and healthcare during the fourth trimester to make sure you have good health later in your life. The Her Health study is a study that aims to learn if the “Her Health” program can help women be healthy and get healthcare in the first year after having a baby. The Her Health program uses an extra healthcare team member (called a community health navigator) to work with patients and their care team.
For more information, visit: Her Health Research Study
This study enrolls by invite only.