ISU researchers asks pregnant women to participate in study

An Idaho State University study is looking for women to participate. Specifically, women in their third trimester.

The study, titled Idaho Mom Study: Infant Development and Healthy Outcomes of Mothers, will be examining how women’s experiences during pregnancy influences their infant’s behavior and growth. Those experiences being stress, mood, eating habits, and other every day experiences.

ISU Psychology Clinic director Nicki Aubuchon-Endsley is leading the study at the Perinatal Psychobiology Laboratory in the department of psychology.

“When I did my studies when I was a postdoc, we found that the third trimester was really important in terms of how stress impacts infants’ growth,” said Aubuchon-Endsley.

To participate, you have to be at least 18 years old, be fluent in English and be in your third trimester. Participants will be asked about their activities and physically measured, along with their babies after their born.

Six months after their baby is born, participants will return to the lab for observation. There will be no invasive procedures like blood draws or required medication for the study. Participants will be asked to provide saliva samples, though.

The research aims to pinpoint behaviors that could assure a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.

“Are there certain experiences during pregnancy, which influence infant’s growth? If so, could those be things that we promote, that we educate moms about,” said Aubuchon-Endsley. “Maybe even incorporate into interactions that they have with their health providers.”

The study is still looking for more moms-to-be to participate. They plan to continuing enrolling women for at least a year. Participants receive $75 and, if they’re a student, they qualify for receiving one credit for every half hour of participation toward ISU coursework.

For more information about the study, you can call 208-380-1140. You can also email idahomom@isu.edu.