Understanding how triglycerides in pregnancy affect newborn fat

The Early and Late Contribution of Fasting and Postprandial Triglycerides on Newborn Subcutaneous and Intrahepatic Fat in Pregnancy

Observational University of Colorado, Denver · NCT04394806

This study is trying to see how the triglyceride levels in pregnant women affect the amount of fat their newborns have.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages0 Years to 39 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT04394806 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the relationship between maternal triglyceride levels during pregnancy and the fat mass of newborns. Pregnant women will monitor their triglyceride and glucose levels at home using point-of-care meters. Two weeks after delivery, the newborns will undergo measurements of total fat and liver fat using advanced techniques. The study hypothesizes that both fasting and postprandial triglycerides will be significant predictors of newborn fat mass in mothers with obesity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant women under 16 weeks gestational age, aged 21-39 years, with a pre-pregnancy BMI between 28-39 kg/m2.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-gestational diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes, or other significant pregnancy complications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of newborn fat mass, potentially reducing obesity-related complications in infants.

How similar studies have performed: While there is existing data suggesting maternal triglycerides are important, this specific approach to monitoring and measuring newborn fat mass is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women less than 16 weeks gestational age
* Between the ages of 21-39 years
* Pre-pregnancy BMI 28-39 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria

* Pre-gestational diabetes or prediabetes
* History of gestational diabetes
* History of pre-eclampsia, spontaneous pre-term delivery, or gestational hypertension \<34wks
* Tobacco or illicit substance use
* Chronic steroid use

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado

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 PregnancyTriglyceridesGlucoseAdiposityAir displacement plethysmographyContinuous glucose monitoring
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.