The purpose of this study is to evaluate the flow of oxygen and blood necessary for nutrient transfer across the placenta during the second and third trimesters in pregnancy in women who are obese before pregnancy compared to women who have an average weight before pregnancy. This study will evaluate blood flow across the placenta by functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). The investigators hypothesize that there will be differences in placental oxygenation and blood flow among women with obesity as compared to those with normal weight. Participants will be asked to complete: * MRI in the second trimester (20-24 weeks) * MRI in the third trimester (30-34 weeks)
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
30
Participants will undergo a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) using arterial spin labeling (ASL) and other Magnetic Resonance (MR) sequences
Endeavor Health
Evanston, Illinois, United States
RECRUITINGInter - rater reliability of assessing placental blood flow by arterial spin labeling (ASL)
Evaluated using a two-way mixed intraclass correlation coefficient for consistency
Time frame: 6 weeks after the delivery
Mean placental perfusion in second and third trimester
The mean global placental perfusion of second and third-trimester placentas among participants with obesity (Body Mass Index measured in kg/m\^2, calculated using weight in kilograms and height in meters) as compared to those with a normal weight (kilograms) before pregnancy will be evaluated.
Time frame: 6 weeks after the delivery
Mean R2* relaxation rates in second and third trimester
the Mean R2\* relaxation rates will be used to correlate the global placental perfusion of second and third trimester placentas with measurements of placental oxygenation.
Time frame: 6 weeks after the delivery
Perinatal outcomes including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, small for gestational age, NICU admission, and stillbirth.
The prevalence and incidence of outcomes such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, small for gestational age, NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) admission, stillbirth will be assessed.
Time frame: 6 weeks after the delivery
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