Exploring HPA Axis Function in Pregnancy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring HPA Axis Function in Healthy Pregnant Women and those with Gestational Diabetes
IRAS ID
161316
Contact name
Eleanor Scott
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
We are carrying out a study investigating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in pregnancy. The HPA Axis is a complex feedback system between three endocrine glands; the Hypothalamus, the Pituitary Gland and the Adrenal Glands. The HPA axis plays an important role in controlling functions in the body such as temperature regulation, mood, energy levels and the response to stress. We are looking at how the HPA Axis varies between healthy pregnant women, and pregnant women with gestational diabetes. This will be determined via 24-hour urine collection, and blood samples, at predetermined points during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes is a condition in which there is too much glucose present in the pregnant woman’s blood, especially during the third trimester of pregnancy. If untreated this condition can have harmful effects on the Mother and the unborn baby, both in the short and long term. Gestational Diabetes may cause the fetus to grow too large for its gestational age. This can cause difficulties during labor, and occasionally there is a need to induce the labor early. In the long term the baby may be at greater risk of obesity and diabetes. In turn, Mothers with gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as pre-eclampsia.
We are asking for pregnant woman with Gestational Diabetes to have a blood test and provide a 24-hour urine sample at two dates during their pregnancy; 28 and 36 weeks gestation. Healthy women will have a blood test and provide a 24 hour urine sample at 12, 20, 28 and 36 weeks gestations. In addition, the weight, height and BMI of each participant shall be measured.
Finally, the outcome of the pregnancy will be followed up, including the weight and general health of the baby at birth.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/1246
Date of REC Opinion
10 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion