Exploring pregnancy and parenting experiences in individuals with Lyme disease
Official title: Mixed Methods Study on Navigating Pregnancy and Parenthood With Lyme Disease
Run by Children's National Research Institute · NCT06397794 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how having Lyme disease affects pregnancy and parenting experiences for those diagnosed with the condition.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Children's National Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Washington D.C., District of Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 20, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06397794 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals over 18 years old, residing in the U.S. or Canada, who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease or related conditions during or before pregnancy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have never been diagnosed with Lyme disease or have not experienced pregnancy 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 observational study investigates the unique experiences of pregnancy and parenting among individuals diagnosed with Lyme disease, post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, or chronic Lyme disease. Participants will complete quantitative surveys covering their medical history, child development, and demographics, followed by qualitative interviews to delve deeper into their personal experiences. The goal is to understand how these conditions affect their perinatal experiences and parenting challenges. This mixed methods approach aims to highlight the differences faced by these individuals compared to healthy peers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights that improve support and care for pregnant individuals with Lyme disease.
How similar studies have gone: While there may be limited studies specifically addressing pregnancy and parenting in the context of Lyme disease, the mixed methods approach has been successful in other chronic conditions, suggesting potential for valuable findings here.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Over 18 years of age and reside in the United States or Canada * Diagnosed with acute Lyme disease, PTLDS, and/or Chronic Lyme by a health care provider while they were pregnant OR PTLDS/CL prior to becoming pregnant with ongoing symptoms during pregnancy Exclusion Criteria: * Under 18 years of age * Live outside of the United States or Canada * Never been diagnosed with Lyme disease by a medical provider * Never been pregnant * Never given birth to a liveborn infant * Previously participated in a qualitative study about their experience with Lyme disease * Do not want to agree to having their interviews audio recorded
Where it's running
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Children's National Hospital
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sarah B. Mulkey, MD, PhD — Children's National Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Meagan E Williams, MSPH, CCRC
- Email: mewilliams@childrensnational.org
- Phone: 202-476-3388
Similar studies
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ASPIRE: Predicting Pregnancy Complications Using Blood and Eye Imaging
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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.