Eliminating Severe Maternal Morbidity With Heart Health Doulas Trial
University of Pittsburgh
Summary
This is a single site, single-blinded parallel randomized control trial that investigates a multi-level intervention to improve postpartum blood pressure in women with hypertensive disorder pregnancy. The investigators will recruit women diagnosed with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, identified between 3rd trimester and 2 weeks post-delivery. The investigators will randomize participants to receive usual care home blood pressure monitoring for 6 weeks versus an intervention of usual care + blood pressure and weight monitoring + a doula trained in heart health. This trial will be conducted in partnership with a local community-based organization, Healthy Start Inc.
Description
The purpose of this study is to improve blood pressure in women who have a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. A hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is one in which a woman's blood pressure is elevated during pregnancy. For the purpose of this project, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy includes gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia. By improving blood pressure in pregnant women, the investigators aim to lower the number of women with chronic hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. The study will enroll 454 women who are 18 years or older, are about to or have rece…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion * Women must be pregnant or postpartum and assessed during pregnancy and/or delivery with a diagnosis of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (pre-eclampsia, eclampsia or gestational hypertension). * Women must reside in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Beaver, Butler, or Washington County. Participant may also reside within 100 miles of Allegheny County. * The participant must deliver (or plan to deliver) at Magee-Womens Hospital Exclusion * No pre-pregnancy chronic conditions that affect blood pressure such as hypertension or on antihypertensive medications within 3 months before concep…
Interventions
- BehavioralHeart Health Doula Intervention Program
The intervention group will be given a smart blood pressure cuff and a smart scale to monitor weight. The intervention group will receive support provided a postpartum doula until 8-12 weeks postpartum. The doula will provide individualized support during this time, and after 8-12 weeks, women will transition to a doula-moderated support group for the remainder of the study. The intervention group will continue to receive blood pressure and weight monitoring for the remainder of the study.
- BehavioralUsual Care
Usual care includes enrollment into a clinical 6-week home-based blood pressure monitoring program with text messaging support which includes receiving a home blood pressure cuff. Women in the intervention group will be offered the same support as the usual care group, and in addition will receive the intervention and supplies.
Location
- Magee Women's Hospital of UPMCPittsburgh, Pennsylvania