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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Endeavor Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Evanston, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 9, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06314009 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
- Principal investigator: Caitlin MacGregor — Endeavor Health
- Study coordinator: Alexandra Mangus
- Email: alexandra.mangus@endeavorhealth.org
- Phone: (847) 570-2243
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.