Improving Maternal Mental Health in Military-Affiliated Pregnant Women Using a Smart Bassinet: A Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to test how well a Smart Bassinet can prevent or reduce postpartum mood disorders by improving sleep for mothers and their infants. The study focuses on military-affiliated pregnant women and compares the Smart Bassinet to a standard commercially available bassinet. The trial explores the effects on infant and maternal sleep, maternal mood symptoms, immune function, and epigenetic markers linked to postpartum depression over six months. Participants will be randomly assigned to use either the Smart Bassinet, which responds to a baby's fussing with swaying and shushing sounds to soothe the infant, or a standard Halo Bassinest without these features. The study lasts six months postpartum, with mothers completing monthly online surveys and collecting sleep data using actigraph devices. Blood samples will be taken at enrollment and at three and six months postpartum to assess immune markers. Mothers will participate by filling out monthly questionnaires about sleep and mood and using sleep tracking devices for one week each month for both themselves and their infants. Blood samples will help evaluate immune system changes over time. Researchers will measure maternal mood, infant and maternal sleep patterns, and inflammation markers. The study also includes genetic testing to see if the Smart Bassinet influences known risk factors for postpartum depression.

Improving Maternal Sleep and Mental Health