Personalized PTBCARE+ program aims to reduce prenatal stress and prevent preterm birth disparities
Background
Preterm birth (PTB) remains a significant global health challenge, contributing to substantial infant morbidity and mortality. Current prenatal care often lacks targeted interventions for stress, a known modifiable risk factor for PTB, particularly among high-risk populations. Addressing maternal stress through comprehensive, personalized support could offer a crucial pathway to improve birth outcomes and mitigate health disparities associated with PTB.
Study Design
This randomized clinical trial will compare a personalized prenatal support program, PTBCARE+, against usual prenatal care in pregnant individuals at high risk for preterm delivery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either arm. All participants will complete two study visits during pregnancy and one postpartum visit. These visits involve electronic surveys, blood and urine sample collection, heart rate variability measurement via ear/finger clip, and body composition evaluation using a scale-like device. The PTBCARE+ group will receive a stress reduction toolkit and access to an online website/smartphone app.
Why It Matters
If successful, the PTBCARE+ program could transform prenatal care by integrating personalized stress reduction strategies, potentially leading to fewer preterm births and healthier outcomes for both mothers and infants. This approach offers a scalable, non-pharmacological intervention that directly addresses a critical, yet often overlooked, risk factor for PTB. The findings could inform new clinical guidelines for managing prenatal stress, particularly in vulnerable populations, and help reduce existing disparities in birth outcomes.
preterm birth
prenatal care
stress reduction
maternal health
clinical trial
randomized controlled trial