Reaching Calm: A digital program to help prevent anxiety during pregnancy
Official title: Reaching Calm Pilot (K23)
Run by University of Massachusetts, Worcester · NCT07458698 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A digital program called Reaching Calm is tested in obstetric clinics to see if it can help prevent anxiety for pregnant people at risk.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Worcester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Leominster, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | September 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07458698 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Pregnant individuals receiving prenatal care at participating OB practices with mild to moderate anxiety (GAD-7 5-15) and under 32 weeks gestation.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with severe anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 15) or outside the targeted gestational window may not benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study tests the feasibility and acceptability of a digital anxiety-prevention program delivered through obstetric clinics to pregnant individuals with mild to moderate anxiety. The program includes a brief anxiety sensitivity intervention via text messages and a web platform, plus training for obstetric care providers to integrate the program into routine care. Researchers compare clinics offering Reaching Calm to those providing usual care to see if the digital approach reduces anxiety risk and improves engagement. Participants complete surveys and may participate in interviews to share their experiences, informing potential future wider use. The trial targets pregnant individuals under 32 weeks gestation who have GAD-7 scores between 5 and 15.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, Reaching Calm could reduce the risk of developing anxiety during and after pregnancy and improve access to mental health support in obstetric care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous digital mental health interventions in perinatal care have shown promise in engagement and feasibility, but this study tests a tailored, clinic-integrated approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Receiving prenatal care at participating obstetric practice * Endorsed mild to moderate anxiety (GAD-7 score 5-15) * Currently pregnant (gestational age \<32) * Started Reaching Calm digital intervention, if in intervention group Exclusion Criteria: * Not pregnant * Unable to participate in 60-minute interview * Unwilling to be audio recorded * GAD-7 \<5, or GAD-7≥15 * Adults unable to consent (adults lacking capacity) * Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers) * Prisoners * Non-English-speaking
Where it's running
-
UMass Memorial Medical Group - Montachusett Women's Health
Leominster, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Martha Zimmermann, PhD
- Email: martha.zimmermann1@umassmed.edu
- Phone: 617-870-4798
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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.