Investigating how pregnancy-related anxiety affects the placenta and birth outcomes

Effects of Pregnancy-Specific Anxiety on Placental Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Response and Birth Outcomes (MOMS Placenta)

Not applicable Interventional University of the Incarnate Word · NCT04993742

This study is testing how anxiety during pregnancy affects the placenta and baby’s health by comparing standard care with a support program for expecting mothers.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of the Incarnate Word Academic / other
Locations1 site (San Antonio, Texas)
Trial IDNCT04993742 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study explores the relationship between prenatal maternal anxiety and placental health, focusing on inflammatory and oxidative stress responses. It involves a longitudinal, randomized clinical trial design where participants receive either standard prenatal care or an intervention program called Mentors Offering Maternal Support (M-O-M-S™). Participants will complete psychosocial questionnaires at various stages of pregnancy, and blood samples will be collected to assess physiological changes. The goal is to understand how maternal anxiety impacts both placental function and infant outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are active duty and DoD beneficiary pregnant women aged 18 or older who are receiving prenatal care at Brooke Army Medical Center.

Not a fit: Patients who are military dependent daughters or VA beneficiaries will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved prenatal care strategies that reduce maternal anxiety and enhance birth outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in addressing maternal anxiety and its effects on pregnancy, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All Active Duty and DoD beneficiary gravid women,
* 18 years of age or older,
* Receiving prenatal care at BAMC,
* English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Military dependent daughters
* VA beneficiaries

Where this trial is running

San Antonio, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Placental DysfunctionPrenatal Stressplacentaprenatalpregnancymaternal anxietyprenatal depressionbiomarker
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.