Sleep Disordered Breathing, Endothelial Function, and Adverse Events in Pregnancy Observational Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how sleep disordered breathing affects heart and blood vessel health in pregnant individuals. This observational study focuses on whether sleep breathing problems during pregnancy are linked to poorer cardiovascular function and if higher physical activity levels might lower the risk of these breathing problems. The study is led by the University of Alberta to gain insights into maternal health during pregnancy. Participants will complete an 8-day testing protocol at two separate times during pregnancy: first between 20 and 24 weeks gestation, and again between 28 and 36 weeks gestation. During each period, they will undergo one night of at-home sleep testing and overnight vital signs monitoring using devices that track blood pressure and heart rate. They will also wear two accelerometers, maintain a 7-day sleep log, fill out questionnaires, and visit the lab for fasting blood draws and ultrasound assessments measuring cardiovascular health. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored for various heart and blood vessel functions, including endothelial function, arterial stiffness, blood pressure, heart rate, and presence of arrhythmias. Researchers will also assess dietary intake, hormone levels, inflammatory markers, mood, and physical activity. After delivery, a short follow-up survey will collect information on birth outcomes like infant sex, weight, length, gestational age, delivery mode, Apgar score, and time spent in the neonatal intensive care unit. The total participation spans pregnancy through about two months postpartum.

Sleep Disordered Breathing, Endothelial Function, and Adverse Events in Pregnancy