How sedentary behavior and sleep affect heart health during pregnancy

Sedentary behavior, physical activity, sleep, and cardiovascular risk in pregnancy: the Pregnancy 24/7 cohort study

NIH-funded research University of Iowa · NIH-11179653

This study is looking at how sitting too much and sleep habits affect heart health during pregnancy, especially for women who might face issues like high blood pressure, and it aims to help improve health for moms and their babies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11179653 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of sedentary behavior and sleep patterns on cardiovascular health risks in pregnant women. It aims to identify how these factors contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, which can lead to future cardiovascular disease. By examining the full spectrum of daily activities, including light-intensity physical activity, the study seeks to provide insights that could inform clinical interventions and guidelines for improving maternal health. Participants will be monitored to assess their behaviors and health outcomes throughout their pregnancy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who may be at risk for gestational hypertension or preeclampsia.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those with pre-existing severe cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for pregnant women to enhance their cardiovascular health and reduce risks associated with pregnancy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing lifestyle factors like physical activity can significantly improve health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may also yield beneficial results.

Where this research is happening

Iowa City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.