How sedentary behavior and sleep affect heart health during pregnancy
Official title: Sedentary behavior, physical activity, sleep, and cardiovascular risk in pregnancy: the Pregnancy 24/7 cohort study
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10908383 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sitting too much and sleep habits affect heart health during pregnancy, especially in relation to conditions like high blood pressure and preeclampsia, to help create better advice for expectant moms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $625,541 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL153095-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908383 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who may be at risk for gestational hypertension or preeclampsia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have concerns related to cardiovascular health during pregnancy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of sedentary behavior and sleep patterns on cardiovascular health during pregnancy. It aims to identify how these factors contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, which can increase the risk of future cardiovascular disease. By examining the full 24-hour behavioral cycle, including light-intensity physical activity, the study seeks to provide insights that could lead to better clinical interventions and guidelines for pregnant women. The research employs a cohort study design to gather comprehensive data on these behaviors and their effects on maternal health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for pregnant women, helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on physical activity during pregnancy, this study's focus on the combined effects of sedentary behavior and sleep is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitaker, Kara Marie — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Whitaker, Kara Marie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.