Impact of Light on Labor Progression
Michigan State University
Summary
Today it remains a challenge to successfully both halt and induce labor progression. Induction of labor is a common obstetric intervention that 1 in 4 women will experience. The goal of induction of labor is to achieve a vaginal birth, however in almost 40% of first-time mothers it fails. Failed labor inductions require a caesarean delivery, which is associated with a vast range of adverse effects for both the mother and her baby. In this application we propose that a simple manipulation of room light will increase the success of vaginal birth through the use of optimal room light settings (halting labor=lights ON, promoting labor=reduced room light/red room light). A sparse literature has shown that the hormone melatonin might be an important hormone to consider during late pregnancy and labor. Pineal melatonin release is only released in darkness at night, where nocturnal light such as room light, suppress pineal melatonin release, reducing uterine contractions (Olcese et al 2013, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22556015/, Rahman et al 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6453747/). Melatonin receptor become upregulated in the pregnant myometrium (uterine smooth muscle), and a small study in women having preterm birth, showed a high expression of melatonin receptor, at a gestational week where women not having preterm uterine contractions, had low levels of melatonin receptor, suggesting that premature increase in myometrium melatonin receptor might in some women be associated with preterm labor and birth (Olcese et al 2013, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22556015/). This study will address how room light impacts melatonin release and uterine contractions in healthy pregnant women.
Description
Overview of study layout The indicated prenatal visit weeks are approximate time points. The prenatal visit only needs to occur prior to the sample collection time point. Time point 1 (First interaction with patient). First trimester of pregnancy. Recruiting patients who have an Ob/Gyn appointment to start prenatal care. During this visit we will recruit women with confirmed pregnancy into the study. During the meeting with the Ob/Gyn, the study goals and layout of study will be explained to the patient. The patient will not be informed about the expected outcome of nocturnal light on uterin…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–42 years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion criteria: * Are pregnant * Are 18-42 years old * Medically cleared for participation by Medical Investigator * Willingness to allow the study access to information in the participant's medical record * Willingness to be notified of incidental findings from study procedures * Willingness to measure and report on lighting conditions during specified time periods * Willingness to use a uterine contraction home monitor system, and report results * Willingness to adapt lighting during studies in home and/or hospital * Willingness to wear blue-filter glasses if requested * Willingness to…
Interventions
- DeviceRoom light/light bulb
Room light will be ON/OFF or red light used in the room. Reducing/eliminating light in the room in the evening and night is expected to allow the natural release of melatonin, which is thought to promote uterine contractions in late pregnancy.
Location
- Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, Michigan