FAQ

Q: Who is eligible to participate in the MAMA study?

A: To participate in the study, you must be…

  • Under 14 weeks pregnant with one baby
  • Between 18 and 54 years old
  • Delivering your baby in Austin, TX

Q: Who is not eligible to participate in the MAMA study?

A: You cannot participate in the study if you have…

  • MRI incompatible implants
  • Claustrophobia
  • Any other contraindication for MRI

Q: How are participants being recruited to the study?

A: Participants are being recruited by providers from health centers in the Greater Austin Area (see flyer).

Q: Is getting an MRI safe during pregnancy?

A: There are no known risks of MRI to a pregnant mother or her baby. Additionally, no radiation or contrast will be used during the MRI.

Q: How will I be compensated for participating in this study?

A: Participants will be compensated $100 at the first 3 study visits that they attend, and will receive $200 at the final study visit. Participants may earn up to $500 total for completing all study visits.

Q: What can I expect at a typical study visit?

A: During each study visit, you will have blood pressure and anthropometric measurements (height and weight) taken, complete a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan (MRI), have your blood drawn, complete a Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test, undergo Oral Glucose Tolerance Testing (OGTT), and have a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) inserted under the skin.

Q: What are anthropometric measurements?

A: Anthropometric measurements that will be taken in this study include height and weight measures.

Q: What is an MRI scan?

A: MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. With an MRI, a magnet and radio waves are used to capture pictures of different structures within the human body.

Q: What is a Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test?

A: During Hemoglobin A1C testing, your blood sugar levels from the past 2-3 months will be measured via a finger stick device.

Q: What is Oral Glucose Tolerance Testing (OGTT)?

A: During Oral Glucose Tolerance Testing, you will be given a glucose solution to drink and your blood glucose levels will be measured via a series of blood draws.

Q: What is Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)?

A: During Continuous Glucose Monitoring, a glucose sensor that will periodically record your blood glucose levels will be inserted just under your skin.

Q: Where are study visits located?

A: Study visits will be located at Dell Medical School’s Health Discovery Building, locates at 1601 Trinity St Building B, Austin, TX 78701.

Q: How long will each study visit take?

A: Each study visit will take up to 3 hours.

Q: Can partners or other children come to study visits?

A: Yes, partners or other children can come to study visits. Please let us know in advance if your partner and/or child is planning to come to the study visit, as they will need to fill out a screening form before the visit and we will have to make sure we have enough staff on site.

Q: What happens if you notice a potential issue in the MRI scan?

A: We expect this to be a rare event, but if there is a potential issue, your images will be sent to the Imaging Research Center’s Medical Director and a qualified radiologist. If the radiologist sees anything that might be medically significant, the Medical Director will contact you by phone to discuss the findings.

Q: Who can not get an MRI scan?

A: You may not get an MRI scan if you have metallic implants or fragments in your body that are not MRI safe.

Q: Can I get an MRI scan if I have piercings and/or tattoos?

A: You will have to remove body piercings prior to the MRI scan. You will be screened to determine if your tattoo is MRI-safe.

Q: Can I get an MRI scan if I have an insulin pump or CGM sensor?

A: You will have to remove your insulin pump prior to the MRI scan. Some CGM sensors are MRI compatible, but may have to be removed depending on the type of sensor.

We are currently enrolling participants in the MAMA study. If you are interested in participating in the MAMA study, please complete this screening form and we will reach out to you about your eligibility.

If you have additional questions, please contact a study team member here.

Fill out the MAMA Study Screening Form to see if you are eligible to participate!