RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

HappyMums Mobile Application Study

The 'HappyMums' study wants to find out if a new smartphone app is useful and easy to use for pregnant people who are experiencing, or are at risk of, depression. The app will quietly gather information about their mental health, and users will also actively add details. Once the study finishes, all this information will be put together. The goal is to see if the data collected by such apps can help predict and spot antenatal depression earlier, and lead to better ways of treating it. Ultimately, it aims to support the mental wellbeing of pregnant mums and birthing parents.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

18 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2026

Pregnancy Antenatal Depression

What is this study about?

The 'HappyMums' study is looking into a new smartphone app designed to help pregnant people. We know that pregnancy can be a challenging time for mental health, and some people might experience depression before their baby is born. This study wants to see if an app can be a good way to understand and support mental health during this important period.

The main idea is to check two things: first, if the 'HappyMums' app is something pregnant people are happy to use, and second, if it's easy to navigate and understand. The app itself will collect different types of information. Some of this will be gathered in the background, like how you use your phone or your steps, while other information you'll put in yourself, perhaps through special games or a wellbeing course inside the app. We'll also collect some traditional health information, like answers to questionnaires and blood samples, to compare with the app data.

The researchers hope that by putting all this information together, they can learn if the data collected by an app could help predict when someone might be developing antenatal depression. If successful, this could lead to new tools that help doctors identify and treat depression earlier, providing better support for pregnant individuals and helping to remove some of the difficulties and feelings of shame associated with mental health struggles during pregnancy.

Key takeaways

The 'HappyMums' study is about testing a new app for pregnant people.
It aims to support those at risk of or experiencing depression during pregnancy.
The app collects mental health data to help predict and improve treatment for antenatal depression.
You need a smartphone and to be between 13 and 28 weeks pregnant to join.
Participation involves using the app and completing some questionnaires and possibly samples.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for pregnant people who are 18 years old or older. You would need to be between 13 and 28 weeks pregnant to join. It's really important that you can understand English well enough to know what you're agreeing to and ask any questions you might have.

To be eligible, you should either currently be feeling symptoms of depression, or have at least one thing that puts you at a higher risk of developing depression during pregnancy. This could include things like complications with your pregnancy or not having much support from family or friends. You also need to have your own smartphone that can download and run the 'HappyMums' app.

You wouldn't be able to join the study if you're unable to understand the information or give your agreement to take part.

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 18 years old or older?
Are you currently between 13 and 28 weeks pregnant?
Do you have a smartphone that can download apps?
Do you currently experience depressive symptoms, or have a risk factor for depression during pregnancy?
Can you understand information in English clearly?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in the 'HappyMums' study, you will mainly be using a smartphone app. This app will collect information about your mental health both quietly in the background (like your phone's activity and location) and through things you actively do on the app, such as playing games or taking part in a wellbeing course. You'll also be asked to log details about your pregnancy and health.

Alongside using the app, you will complete some standard health questionnaires and might be asked to provide some biological samples, like blood samples. The study team will explain exactly what is involved in terms of visits or check-ins and for how long you'll be using the app. The overall duration isn't specified, but it will cover a period during your pregnancy. There are no new medications involved in this study.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part in this study is contributing to a better understanding of antenatal depression, which could lead to improved support for pregnant people in the future. Using the app might also empower you to monitor your own mental health and provide access to a wellbeing course. Potential risks are generally low, but could include the time commitment required for app usage and questionnaires, or the possibility of feeling uncomfortable discussing your mental health. Your personal data would be handled carefully to protect your privacy. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time and for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (7)

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

Catholic University of Croatia
Verified postcode
Zagreb, Croatia· Recruiting
University of Helsinki
Verified postcode
Helsinki, Finland· Recruiting
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Verified postcode
Berlin, Germany· Recruiting
San Raffaele Hospital
Verified postcode
Milan, Italy· Recruiting
University of Milan
Verified postcode
Milan, Italy· Recruiting
SWPS University
Verified postcode
Warsaw, Poland· Recruiting
King's College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is antenatal depression?

Antenatal depression is when someone experiences symptoms of depression during pregnancy. It's like postnatal depression, but it happens before the baby is born.

What kind of data will the app collect?

The app will collect information both actively (like through activities you do) and passively (like your phone's location or usage patterns) to understand more about your mental health.

Will my personal information be kept private?

Yes, the study takes your privacy very seriously. All your data will be handled carefully and anonymously where possible to protect your personal information.

Do I have to live in a specific area to join?

The study is looking for pregnant people in the UK who meet the eligibility criteria, but specific locations aren't detailed in the summary.

What happens after the study ends?

After the study, the collected data will be analysed to see if the app can help predict and identify antenatal depression, aiming to improve future care.

How to find out more

Anthony J Woods, PhD

tony.woods@kcl.ac.uk +44 7720884604 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.