Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 60 Women only

Assessing Placental Blood Flow in Pregnant Women

Official title: Beyond MARS: Magnetic Resonance Study: A Novel Assessment of Placental Perfusion During Pregnancy

Run by Endeavor Health · NCT06314009 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing how blood and oxygen flow in the placenta differs between pregnant women who are obese and those with average weight to see how it affects their pregnancy.

More Pregnancy trials

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorEndeavor Health
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Evanston, Illinois)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 9, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 2026
Study endsDecember 2026
Registry record updatedMarch 16, 2026
Trial IDNCT06314009 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are pregnant women with singleton pregnancies who are either obese or of average weight before pregnancy.

Probably not a fit

Patients with multifetal gestation, congenital anomalies, or those ineligible for MRI will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the flow of oxygen and blood necessary for nutrient transfer across the placenta during the second and third trimesters in women who are obese compared to those with average weight before pregnancy. Using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) with arterial spin labeling (ASL), the study aims to identify differences in placental oxygenation and blood flow. Participants will undergo MRI scans in both the second and third trimesters to assess placental perfusion and its implications for pregnancy outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of pregnancy complications associated with obesity.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using ASL for placental assessment is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding placental function and its impact on pregnancy outcomes.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Singleton pregnancy, less than 24 weeks gestation
* Pre-pregnancy BMI between 18.5 - 24.9kg/m2 or ≥30kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

* Asthma on controller medication
* Autoimmune Conditions
* Chronic Hypertension
* Claustrophobia
* Congenital Anomaly
* Pregestational Diabetes
* History of Bariatric Surgery
* HIV
* Ineligible for MRI (incompatible implanted medical device)
* Multifetal Gestation
* Smoking during pregnancy

Where it's running

  • Endeavor Health
    Evanston, Illinois, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.