EMBRACE- BLOOM - Building Literacy and Outcomes Through Observation and Monitoring: Information Needs and Wearable Data in Pregnancy Couples
The EMBRACE-BLOOM study wants to understand how parents-to-be and their partners get health information during pregnancy and after birth. Many people use online sources, but it's hard to know what's trustworthy. This study follows people from early pregnancy until about two months after birth to see how their information needs change over time. It also looks at differences between pregnant women and their partners. We want to find out what helps or hinders them in getting reliable advice. The study involves answering questions on an app and, optionally, sharing health data from smart devices. The goal is to help create better, more useful information for future parents.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you're expecting a baby. You'll have lots of questions about everything from what to eat, to tests, labour, and looking after your newborn. Many people now look for answers online, but there's a huge amount of information out there, and it can be hard to tell what's true, reliable, or even right for you. This can sometimes make people feel overwhelmed or worried, or they might end up following advice that isn't suitable for their situation.
Most research so far has only looked at pregnant women at one point in time. This study is different because it follows both pregnant women and their partners all the way from early pregnancy until a couple of months after the baby is born. We want to see how their information needs change over this whole period and how they might be different for each person. For example, what information is most important to them at different stages? Where do they look for answers? What helps them find good information, and what makes it difficult?
This study isn't testing any medicines or treatments, and it won't change your usual medical care. Instead, it's about listening to your experiences. By understanding these things, we hope to help improve the way health information is given to future parents, making it clearer, easier to find, and more helpful.
Key takeaways
- It's about understanding how parents-to-be get health information.
- Participation involves answering questions on an app from early pregnancy to after birth.
- It does not involve any changes to your medical care or treatments.
- You can choose to share extra health data from your own devices if you want.
- Your partner can also join if you nominate them.
- The findings will help improve health information for future parents.
Who may be eligible?
To join the study, you need to be at least 18 years old and living in the UK. If you're pregnant, you should be having your first ultrasound scan at the study hospital.
Partners can also join if the pregnant participant names them, and they are also at least 18 and live in the UK.
Everyone taking part needs to be able to read and understand English well enough to answer questions on a mobile app, and you must have your own compatible smartphone to use for the study.
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 at least 18 years old?
- Do you live in the UK?
- If pregnant, are you having your first ultrasound at the study location?
- Do you have suitable smartphone access?
- Can you read and understand English well enough to use a study app?
- If a partner, has a pregnant participant nominated you to take part?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll mainly be answering short questions on a smartphone app. You'll do this four times across your pregnancy and after the baby is born: once between 11-13 weeks, again at 20-22 weeks, then at 35-36 weeks of pregnancy, and finally about 6-8 weeks after birth. Each set of questions should take around 20 minutes.
You can also choose to do short, weekly check-in surveys between these main times, which will only take about 2-3 minutes. There's also an option to allow the study to link to your health records or share some health information from your own smartphone or wearable devices, like steps counted, sleep patterns, or heart rate. This study doesn't involve any hospital visits just for the research, new medications, or changes to your routine care.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- King's College HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
The study aims to understand how pregnant women and their partners find and use health information during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Will this study affect my usual medical care?
No, taking part in this study will not change any of your routine healthcare or medical treatments.
How much time will I need to commit?
You'll complete four main surveys (about 20 minutes each) and can choose to do shorter weekly check-ins (2-3 minutes each).
Do I have to share data from my smartphone or wearable device?
No, sharing data from your devices is completely optional.
Can my partner join the study too?
Yes, if you're a pregnant participant, you can nominate one partner to join the study with you.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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