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Postpartum physiology, psychology and paediatric follow up study (P4 Study) - Study protocol
Gregory K Davis1, Lynne Roberts2, George Mangos1
1St George Hospital, Gray Street, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia; University of NSW, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia.
Pregnancy Hypertension
|December 13, 2016
Summary
Women with pregnancy hypertension face long-term cardiovascular disease risks. This study tracks their postpartum health and infant development for up to five years.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular health
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Public health
Background:
- Pregnancy hypertension increases long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women.
- Limited knowledge exists on postpartum cardiovascular risk, maternal mental health, and infant outcomes.
- This study investigates physiological and psychological health in mothers and physical health/development in infants post-birth.
Purpose of the Study:
- Establish normal blood pressure (BP) and metabolic function in normotensive pregnant women.
- Assess postpartum cardiovascular risk in women with gestational hypertension (GH) or preeclampsia (PE).
- Evaluate maternal psychological status and infant developmental outcomes up to five years postpartum.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 292 normotensive women, 100 with GH, and 100 with PE, and their infants.
- Conducted assessments at six months, two years, and five years postpartum.
- Utilized BP monitoring (sphygmomanometer, ABPM, applanation tonometry), physiological tests (body composition, vascular compliance, cardiac function, etc.), and validated psychological questionnaires. Infant assessments included medical exams and developmental questionnaires/assessments.
Main Results:
- Study aims to redefine normal BP and physiological parameters for young parous women.
- Will enable more sensitive assessment of postpartum BP and cardiovascular risk markers in women with GH or PE.
- Will determine the prevalence of psychological disorders in mothers and developmental concerns in infants.
Conclusions:
- This research will provide crucial insights into the long-term health trajectories of women with a history of pregnancy hypertension.
- Findings will inform clinical practice and public health strategies for managing postpartum maternal and infant well-being.
- Establishes a benchmark for postpartum physiological and psychological health in women and developmental outcomes in their children.
