Local women looking to fall pregnant in the next few years are invited to take part in a world-first clinical trial now underway at Nepean Hospital.
Women looking to fall pregnant in the next few years are invited to take part in the PreBabe study
Led by The University of Sydney, the PreBabe study will explore how losing weight prior to pregnancy can improve the long-term health of mothers and babies.
Nepean Hospital is one of five maternity hospitals in NSW to host the trial and the study is seeking more than 2,000 women to take part in the research.
The PreBabe study will investigate two different approaches to losing weight prior to pregnancy and participating women will be offered a free 10-week weight loss program as part of the trial. The program is safe and designed for use prior to becoming pregnant. Participants will receive clinical visits and telehealth appointments during the trial period.
Endocrinologist Dr Kathryn Williams is the PreBabe trial's Principal Investigator at Nepean Hospital. She says, "One in two women are above a healthy weight range when trying for a baby and one in seven couples have trouble falling pregnant."
"We know that being at a healthy weight can improve your chances of getting pregnant. This study aims to assist women to lose weight and create healthier habits that may provide health benefits for themselves as well as any children they may have," says Dr Williams.
Research shows that mothers with a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 25 have an increased risk of experiencing complications in pregnancy such as high blood pressure, diabetes and preterm birth.
A higher BMI also doubles the risk of having a baby with a high birth weight, increasing the risk of complications during childbirth and childhood obesity for the infant.
Women with overweight or obesity (a BMI greater than 25), aged 18-40 who are considering a pregnancy in the next few years and who live near one of the five participating hospitals are invited to apply to be part of the trial.
Dr Williams says, "If you are planning to have a baby, I really encourage you to consider participating in our study. You'll be contributing to a body of research which, we hope, will ultimately help to improve health outcomes for mothers and their babies."
To register and for more information, visit prebabe.com.au
