Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effects of Diet on Perinatal Mood and Cognition

This study explores if eating a diet rich in plant compounds called flavonoids can help new mothers with their mood, thinking abilities, and blood pressure. Many new mums experience 'baby blues' and changes in their thinking after giving birth. Researchers want to see if a simple diet change could make a difference during this important time. Participants will be put into one of three groups: one with a high flavonoid diet, one with a low flavonoid diet, or a normal diet group. They will follow this for 30 days starting shortly after birth. Researchers will visit them several times from late pregnancy until 12 weeks after birth to check their mood, memory, and blood pressure, hoping to find ways to support mums better.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Reading

Enrolment target

Start

14 Mar 2023

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2024

Mood Mothers Healthy

What is this study about?

Many new mothers experience 'baby blues' in the first couple of weeks after giving birth. This is very common, affecting up to 76% of mums, and involves feelings like sadness, mood swings, and being easily annoyed. While 'baby blues' usually go away on their own, research suggests that if they are more severe or last longer, mothers might be at a higher risk of developing more serious mood problems, like postnatal depression, later on. This study is looking into whether making a specific change to your diet can help during this crucial time.

We know that certain foods, particularly those rich in natural plant compounds called flavonoids, can be good for your overall health, including your mood and how well you think. Previous studies have shown that increasing flavonoid intake might help improve mood in new mothers. Also, new mums can sometimes experience changes in their memory or thinking, and can be at a higher risk of high blood pressure. Flavonoids have also been linked to improved brain function and heart health. So, this study is trying to understand if a diet rich in these compounds could help new mothers feel better emotionally, think more clearly, and maintain healthy blood pressure.

The main goal of this study is to see if eating a diet high in flavonoids for 30 days after birth can lead to positive effects on a mother's mental health, thinking skills (like memory), and blood pressure. By understanding this, we hope to find simple, natural ways to support new mothers during a challenging but special time in their lives.

Key takeaways

Exploring if specific diets help new mums' mood and thinking.
Focuses on natural plant compounds called flavonoids.
Involves diet changes for 30 days after birth.
Checks mood, memory, and blood pressure until 12 weeks postpartum.
Aims to find natural ways to support maternal well-being.

Who may be eligible?

This study is specifically looking for pregnant women to take part. You can get involved at any point during your pregnancy, but the main testing won't start until your third trimester (which is from week 27 onwards).

To be eligible, you'll need to be pregnant. The researchers will rely on you to tell them that you are pregnant, as they won't carry out pregnancy tests themselves.

You would not be able to join the study if you are already beyond 38 weeks of pregnancy when you first inquire about taking part. Again, the researchers will rely on your report of how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you currently pregnant?
Are you less than 38 weeks pregnant right now?
Are you happy for researchers to visit your home?
Are you able to commit to the study for a few months (late pregnancy until 12 weeks after birth)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have an in-person meeting where you'll learn more and give your consent. You'll also provide some information about yourself and practice some simple thinking tests. The study involves a total of six visits from a researcher, starting in your third trimester of pregnancy and continuing up to 12 weeks after your baby is born. These visits will happen in your home.

Shortly after your baby is born (between days 0 and 4), you'll be placed into one of three groups for 30 days. One group will follow a diet with two portions of flavonoid-rich foods daily, another with one portion, and a control group will keep their usual diet. During this 30-day period, the researcher will contact you occasionally to ask about what you've eaten in the last 24 hours.

At each of the six visits, the researcher will ask you to fill out questionnaires about your mood and feelings (like anxiety), do some simple memory and thinking tasks, and have your blood pressure checked. The full study from your first visit in pregnancy to the final follow-up around 12 weeks after birth will last approximately 3-4 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some benefits, such as closely monitoring your mood, thinking skills, and blood pressure during a key period, and learning more about how diet might impact these. There are no known major risks associated with eating flavonoid-rich foods as part of your diet. The tests involved, like questionnaires and blood pressure checks, are routine and safe. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Reading
Verified postcode
Reading, United Kingdom

Common questions

What are flavonoids?

Flavonoids are natural compounds found in many fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods, known for their health benefits.

What kind of foods are rich in flavonoids?

Examples include berries, apples, citrus fruits, dark chocolate, tea, and colourful vegetables.

Will I know which diet group I'm in?

No, you won't know if you're in the high, low, or usual diet group; this helps make the study results more reliable.

How long will I be involved in the study?

From your first visit in late pregnancy until about 12 weeks after your baby is born, so roughly 3-4 months.

Will this study recommend a specific diet?

The study aims to *explore* if diet affects mood, not to recommend a specific diet as medical advice. Any findings would need further research.