This is an interventional study that will test whether a breathing exercise called Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST) can safely and effectively lower blood pressure during late pregnancy. The goal is to see if a home-based breathing training can help prevent or reduce high blood pressure disorders in pregnancy. The main objectives are to make sure the training is safe and tolerable for pregnant women and to examine blood pressure and blood vessel health. Participants in their third trimester will be randomly assigned to either do moderate resistance IMST or a minimal resistance sham IMST, for 5 to 8 minutes a day over six weeks.
Female sex
Pregnant (32 to 34 weeks of gestation, confirmed by ultrasound, at the time of first training session, eligible patients may consent/enrolled earlier in pregnancy)
Singleton pregnancy
Age 18 to 55
Gestational diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, or a history of preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
Younger than 18 or older than 55 years of age
Multiple gestation (twin or higher-order pregnancy)
Fetal chromosomal abnormalities or major anatomical anomalies
University of Arizona
Lead sponsor
Banner University Medical Center
Collaborator