Mindfulness training to lower cardiovascular risk for moms and babies during pregnancy
Official title: Mechanisms of mindfulness training to reduce maternal and infant cardiovascular disease risk
Funded at Rhode Island Hospital · NIH-11582959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A mindfulness program is being tested during pregnancy to help prevent high blood pressure and heart problems for mothers and their babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhode Island Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $563,728 |
| NIH project number | 7R01HL172869-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11582959 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21+ who are at risk for hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and are receiving prenatal care at participating sites.
✕Less likely to help
People without hypertensive risk factors or not enrolled in the prenatal mindfulness program may not receive direct benefits.
What this research studies
The study follows pregnant people at risk for hypertensive disorders to see if daily mindfulness practice can influence markers of cardiovascular risk. It builds on previous pilot results suggesting blood pressure benefits and examines how mindfulness affects prenatal cardiovascular indicators over five years. Participants will be adults 21 years and older receiving care at Rhode Island Hospital, with measurements taken during pregnancy and postpartum. The goal is to understand whether mindfulness can reduce the likelihood of hypertensive disorders and improve long-term heart health for both mother and child.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could offer a safe, non-pharmacologic way to reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of postpartum complications for mothers and their babies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot results showed reduced blood pressure and lower risk indicators, supporting potential benefits in a larger trial.
Where this research is happening
-
Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bublitz, Margaret — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: Bublitz, Margaret
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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.