NCT07467694 · Joslin Diabetes Center
Postnatal Exercise to Activate Baby's Brown Fat
(PEABaBy)
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to learn how exercise and physical activity during pregnancy and after pregnancy may affect the composition of breastmilk. Certain changes in breast milk after exercise may have an impact on how infants use energy. Understanding this process may improve public health recommendations for exercise during and after pregnancy.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to learn how exercise and physical activity during pregnancy and after pregnancy may affect the composition of breastmilk. Certain changes in breast milk after exercise may have an impact on how infants use energy. Understanding this process may improve public health recommendations for exercise during and after pregnancy. This study can help investigators learn more about how maternal exercise patterns may affect body growth and obesity risk in infants who are breastfed. This research may help identify how different factors can influence healthy weight and early development in infants.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 18-45 y of age at the time of enrollment
- Pre-gravid or first trimester BMI 18.5 -40 kg/m2
- Uncomplicated singleton pregnancy
- Intention to exclusively breastfeed for \>3 months and, if parity \>1, that they successfully breastfed a previous pregnancy
- Term pregnancy (gestational age 37 to \<42 weeks)
- Infant with birth weight \>10th percentile of weight for gestational age
Exclusion criteria
- Any obstetric contra-indication to exercise at 1 month
- Diagnosis of uncontrolled (HbA1c \>7%) type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or gestational diabetes managed with insulin
- Intrauterine growth restriction
- Pre-eclampsia or other pregnancy complications
- Alcohol, cannabis or tobacco use
- Known congenital metabolic, endocrine disease, or congenital illness affecting infant feeding/growth
- Major fetal anomalies
- Musculoskeletal issues that would make exercise difficult
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 12, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations