Beyond MARS: Magnetic Resonance Study: A Novel Assessment of Placental Perfusion During Pregnancy

This study, called "Beyond MARS," is looking at how blood and oxygen flow through the placenta during pregnancy. Researchers want to see if there are differences in this flow between pregnant women who were obese before pregnancy and those who were of average weight. You would have two special MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans: one in your second trimester (20-24 weeks) and another in your third trimester (30-34 weeks). These scans use a technique called fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to measure placental blood flow. The study aims to understand these differences, which could help improve care for pregnant women. This is an observational study, meaning no new treatments are being tested. The current status of the study is unclear.

Study design
This is an observational study planning to enroll 30 participants. It compares placental blood flow in pregnant women who were obese before pregnancy to those of average weight.
What's involved
You would have two MRI scans: one during your second trimester (20-24 weeks) and another during your third trimester (30-34 weeks).
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary measurements will be taken at 6 weeks after delivery.

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NCT06314009

Beyond MARS: Magnetic Resonance Study: A Novel Assessment of Placental Perfusion During Pregnancy

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 18–60Observational
Endeavor Health
~30 participants
Updated 2026-03-16 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Inter - rater reliability of assessing placental blood flow by arterial spin labeling (ASL)
Measured over 6 weeks after the delivery
+2 more outcomes measured
Pregnancy
1 sites across 1 states
Illinois1
  • Caitlin MacGregor · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Endeavor Health

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Singleton pregnancy, less than 24 weeks gestation
Pre-pregnancy BMI between 18.5 - 24.9kg/m2 or ≥30kg/m2

Exclusion

Asthma on controller medication
Autoimmune Conditions
Chronic Hypertension
Claustrophobia
Congenital Anomaly
Pregestational Diabetes
History of Bariatric Surgery
HIV
Ineligible for MRI (incompatible implanted medical device)
Multifetal Gestation
Smoking during pregnancy
  • Inter - rater reliability of assessing placental blood flow by arterial spin labeling (ASL)6 weeks after the delivery

    Evaluated using a two-way mixed intraclass correlation coefficient for consistency

  • Mean placental perfusion in second and third trimester6 weeks after the delivery

    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.

  • Mean R2* relaxation rates in second and third trimester6 weeks after the delivery

    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.