Expectant Mothers Research Studies

The Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center (ACNC) works with pregnant mothers to research how diet and exercise affect their child's long-term health. There are nutrition and exercise-based studies pregnant women can enroll in.   

By participating in research studies, expectant mothers can help Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center learn how to make children better today and healthier tomorrow.  

Why Participate?

Study participation includes different benefits, such as gym membership, compensation through gift cards and/or diapers and support during pregnancy and post pregnancy. Mom's health is monitored during pregnancy along with baby's growth and development after birth for years in specific ways beyond what a pediatrician might provide. Information collected during study visits may be used to refer expectant mothers to Arkansas Children's specialists should any concerns arise during study assessments.  

Aline Andres, Ph.D., R.D., associate director for the Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center and professor of Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, said because expectant moms are already going through a big life transition by having a child, it's a great starting point toward a healthier lifestyle.   

"You are the best role model for your child, whether it's nutrition, physical activity or how to interact with people. You want to demonstrate to your child what you think is the healthiest life for your family," Andres said. "Pregnancy is a great transition period. We don't all make the best choices in our lives, but we strive for the best. I think women who go through pregnancy have a really strong desire to do the best they can for their child."   

Where will research results be used?

Beyond helping families be healthier, these programs advance science for the health of society. Every five years, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) release "Dietary Guidelines for Americans" by gathering national nutrition research and evidence from various age groups. The guide helps determine the best nutrition for people at different phases in life. The next guide, 2026-2030, will also include research on physical activity.  

ACNC is proud to contribute to this research through its programs. This research also informs educational materials provided to families utilizing ACNC programming. 

Volunteers help generate data to create general guidelines for pregnant women, lactating women and how to feed your child during the first year of life.  

Will My Privacy be Protected?

In strict accordance with UAMS Institutional Review Board guidelines, the ACNC protects the privacy of each research study participant and their children. Only trained team members can access participant data, and reports shared nationally never single out a participant. Names and other identifiers are never shared.   

Those interested in any study must be screened over the phone. Call ACNC at 501-364-3309 for more information about a study and eligibility.